Japan Economy, Nightlife and Climate
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
A large number of bilingual business cards is essential; they can also be printed in Japan according to neovideogames. Appointments should be made in advance. Due to the etiquette to be observed, one should plan more than a few days for the business visit. Punctuality is very important. Tea is often served before the mostly formal negotiations.
Tokyo
Tokyo residents may be more cosmopolitan than other Japanese in the presence of foreigners, and many are reserved, especially if they are expected to speak English. Almost everyone under 50 has a basic knowledge of English, but very few speak English fluently. Misunderstandings can easily arise, so it is advisable to use interpreters. Foreigners are not expected to have a basic understanding of the Japanese rules of conduct, so many violations are kindly overlooked. One should remember, however, that shoes must be removed in private homes and also in some offices and restaurants. Tips are not expected, in fact vulgar, as is eating while walking. You should also avoid blowing your nose in public (sniffing is however readily accepted). At work and on business occasions one should dress neatly but conservatively. When getting to know each other, exchanging business cards plays a very important role, because without a business card you won’t be taken seriously.
Social occasions take place primarily in restaurants and in izakaya beer halls, but invitations to business partners at home are unusual. Drinking alcohol (beer, whiskey, sake) is part of this culture, just like smoking. The partners are rarely invited by business travelers, because business entertainment is still dominated by men. Gifts are extremely important (although they don’t have to be large or lavish) and are ceremoniously exchanged.
Colleagues are usually mentioned by their last name, and hierarchies should be respected. In business negotiations you usually have to show patience, because directness is suspicious and negative, so answers with a clear?? Yes ?? or no?? avoided. Impatience is frowned upon and confrontation is out of the question, for it is considered a sign of the greatest weakness. Apologizing and saying thank you is very important and shouldn’t be too brief.
Opening hours
Business hours: Mon-Fri 9 am-5pm. Some shops are open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Economy
German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan
Postal address: CPO Box 588, JP-Tokyo 100-8692 Street
address: Sanbacho KS Building, 2-4 Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku, JP-Tokyo 102-0075
Tel: (03) 52 76 98 11.
Internet: www.dihkj.or.jp
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
An der Welle 4, D-60422 Frankfurt / M
Tel: (069) 75 93 87 68.
Internet: www.jetro.de
Offices in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Munich.
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Mariahilferstrasse 41-43 / 3, A-1060 Vienna
Tel: (01) 587 56 28.
Internet: www.jetro.go.jp/austria
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Rue de Lausanne 80, CH-1202 Geneva
Tel: (022) 732 13 04.
Internet: www.jetro.go.jp/switzerland/geneva
Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nippon Shoko Kaigi-sho)
2-2 Marunouchi 3 Chome, Chiyoda-ku, JP-Tokyo 100-0005
Tel: (03) 32 83 78 24.
Internet: www.jcci.or.jp
Business contacts
German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan
Postal address: CPO Box 588, JP-Tokyo 100-8692 Street
address: Sanbacho KS Building, 2-4 Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku, JP-Tokyo 102-0075
Tel: (03) 52 76 98 11.
Internet: www.dihkj.or.jp
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
An der Welle 4, D-60422 Frankfurt / M
Tel: (069) 75 93 87 68.
Internet: www.jetro.de
Offices in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Munich.
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Mariahilferstrasse 41-43 / 3, A-1060 Vienna
Tel: (01) 587 56 28.
Internet: www.jetro.go.jp/austria
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Rue de Lausanne 80, CH-1202 Geneva
Tel: (022) 732 13 04.
Internet: www.jetro.go.jp/switzerland/geneva
Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nippon Shoko Kaigi-sho)
2-2 Marunouchi 3 Chome, Chiyoda-ku, JP-Tokyo 100-0005
Tel: (03) 32 83 78 24.
Internet: www.jcci.or.jp
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Countless cinemas, bars, cafes and nightclubs provide variety. In summer, roof garden restaurants and beer gardens as well as street cafes are very popular. Numerous concerts are held in Tokyo every evening, with international symphony orchestras, soloists and ensembles performing. Tickets should be purchased in advance as events sell out very quickly. There are advance booking offices in the large department stores. In karaoke bars, guests can try their hand at singing: internationally known hits and oldies are played by the tape, the amateur pop star is given a microphone, and the text (in Japanese of course) is shown on the video screen. Karaoke bars are very popular and definitely worth a visit, even if you don’t have star ambitions yourself. Another popular leisure activity isPachinko, which is related to the game of bingo.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Apart from regional exceptions, a stable, temperate climate in most of the country. Summer (June – September) is warm to very hot, depending on the region. Mild in spring and autumn. Rainfalls all year round, most rainfall falls from June to early July.
North: In the north of Hokkaido it can get very cold in winter, there can be snow for up to four months, good conditions for winter sports are given. The south of Hokkaido has a Mediterranean climate. Hokkaido is drier than Tokyo. Winter sports are also very good in central Japan.
South (Okinawa) Subtropical, rainy season from mid-May to mid-June.
Typhoons threaten in the south and southwest from early summer, but rarely last longer than a day.
The best travel times fall in spring and autumn.
