Japan: Business/trade
Japan: Business/trade
Important: Be sure to check both general and product-based categories for relevant information. Product-based categories include parts and accessories unless otherwise specified. See disclaimer below and use independent care before relying on this information.
New Year's Day (Gantan): January 1; Bank holidays: January 2-3; Coming of Age Day (Seijin-no-hi): 2nd Monday in January; National Foundation Day (Kenkoku-kinen-no-hi): February 11; Vernal Equinox (Shunbun-no-hi): March 20; Greenery or Showa Day (Midori-no-hi): April 29; Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpou-kinen-bi): May 3; Holiday for a Nation (Kokumin-no-kyujitu): May 4; Children's Day (Kodomo-no-hi): May 5; Marine Day (Umi-no-hi): July 20; Respect for the Aged Day (Keirou-no-hi): September 15; Autumnal Equinox (Shuubun-no-hi): September 23; Health and Sports Day (Taiiku-no-hi): 2nd Monday in October; National Culture Day (Bunka-no-hi): November 3; Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrou-kansha-no-hi): November 23; Emperor's Birthday (Tennou-tanjyou-bi): December 23; Bank Holiday: December 31.
The period from April 29 to May 5 is called the "Golden Week."
The period from December 29 to January 5 is a traditional time for observance of year end and New Year holidays.
Many businesses are closed for vacations and holidays during these times.
Note: Public holiday celebrations may cause delays in commercial transport of goods. It is best to check with your agent in the country about the extent of business stoppage during holidays.
For more information on specific holidays, see Japan Public & Bank Holidays.
(Last updated on 2011-11-16)
Japan is a member of the:
(Last updated on 2011-11-16)
JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization); Import Promotion Dept.: 2-5 Toranomon, 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8466, tel: +81 3 3582-5511; fax: +81 3 3587 0219.
Manufactured Imports Promotion Organization (MIPRO): 6th floor, World Import Mart Bldg., Sunshine City, 3-1-3, igashi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-8630, tel: 81 3 3988-2791.
Ministry of Finance: 3-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8940, tel: +81 3 3581-4111.
Japan Customs and Tariff Bureau
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI): 1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8901, tel: +81 3 3581-4111
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: 2-1-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8918, tel: +81 3 5253-8111.
Standards Information Service; Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 2-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8919, tel: +81 3 6402-2216; fax: +81 3 6402-2203.
Standards Information Service; Information Services Department: Japan External Trade Organization, 2-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8919, tel: +81 3 5501-8344; fax: +81 3 5501-8343.
(Last updated on 2011-11-16)
See the Japan country profile issued by Federation of International Trade Associations - FITA.
Review the updated Japan country report provided by the International Monetary Fund - IMF.
Also, review this IMF article "IMF Sees Recovery in Japan" provided world economy improves.
(Last updated on 2011-11-16)
A visa is required for some visits to Japan. For information and a printable visa application form, see this page of the Embassy of Japan in United States of America website.
Note especially the list of countries in "Nationals of Countries and Areas with Visa Exemption Arrangements with Japan."
Short tourist or business visits for citizens listed here do not require a visa.
For more information see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.
(Last updated on 2011-11-16)
An understanding of Japanese business and social practices is of great importance in establishing and maintaining successful business relationships in Japan. Indifference to local business practices may indicate a lack of commitment on the part of the exporter, and may lead to misunderstandings and bad feelings on both sides which could result in the loss of business opportunities. One should not assume that because meetings and correspondence are carried out in English, Western social and business norms apply.
Japanese society is complex, structured, hierarchical and group-oriented with strong emphasis on maintaining harmony and avoiding surface confrontation. Japanese religious practice tends to be socially-oriented and selective rather than a matter of deep personal commitment; ethics tend to be situational. Building relationships (which will probably precede the first sale) should emphasize mutual trust, confidence, loyalty and commitment for the long term.
Group decision-making is emphasized in Japan and has been generally described as bottom-up rather than top-down. Family businesses founded since WWII and smaller, second tier firms are exceptions to this rule. However, even in the large family firms, where decisions are made at the top, the process is usually managed so that company members have a sense of participation. This group decision-making tends to be slower. Exporters should not expect to make a deal in just a few days or they will depart in frustration, having made no progress. Consistent follow-up is vital. Business people should recognize the importance of working with the staff-level of their Japanese counterparts and not exclusively with the executive level.
Gift-giving is expected on many business occasions in Japan. Regional gifts or company-logo gifts are appropriate. Quality is important, but the gift does not have to be expensive. The packaging of the gift is as important as the gift itself and should be done professionally. In Japan, sets of four are considered unlucky (the number 4 is pronounced the same as the word for death). Gifts that can be shared among a group are appropriate.
Business travelers to Japan should have bilingual business cards with the traveler's title. Business cards are exchanged to formalize the introduction process and establish the status of the parties relative to each other. Japanese bow when greeting each other but will expect to shake hands with foreign executives. A slight bow in acknowledgment of a Japanese bow is appreciated. Japanese executives deal on a last name basis in business relationships, and initial business and social contacts are characterized by politeness and formality.
Using a professional interpreter in business meetings is highly recommended, although expensive, even if the Japanese side is supplying one and even if the Japanese side speaks English well. This shows proper preparation, gives an opportunity to observe the other side more closely and assures better communication.
A written contract is essential to meet legal, tax, customs and accounting requirements. Contractual commitments are perceived as representing long-term relationships. Therefore, a company should consider carefully whether to grant exclusive rights to an unknown Japanese company.
For more on business customs check comments of the International Etiquette Guide - Japan.
For cross-cultural etiquette customs, also refer to Culture Crossing - Japan.
(Last updated on 2011-11-16)
Important: Exercise independent care before relying on information contained herein. Although we strive to ensure all information is correct and current, GISTnet assumes no liability for detrimental reliance on this information. Trade requirements may change with little or no prior notification, de-facto requirements in certain countries vary from official regulations, and particular shipments and/or importers may have special destination customs arrangements. We encourage you to check with the importer or its customs agent in the destination country for specific importation requirements for specific products and circumstances. We ask your help with feedback (cidb@gistnet.com) concerning information which may be outdated or incomplete.
