Dateline: 01/07/99
One will notice if in Japan that the Japanese introduce themselves according to their company or department, rather than their specific job. The reason for this is that people in Japan are generally employed in relation to their general abilities, rather than to their work skills. A persons desires and skills are not usually taken into consideration. It is usually more important to fulfill the needs of different sections of a company. With white collar workers it is quite common to be transferred, due to a promotion or urgent project, to a position in which they have no training for. One can discern that there is little concept of job classification by skill. It is for this reason that a Japanese person will mention the name of his/her company and the section to which he/she is assigned, it does not mean that that is what they specialize in or wish to do.
Another aspect of Japanese introductions (in relation to work) is using ones official job title rather than their name. It has been a custom in Japan since ancient times to avoid the use of personal names out of politeness. To clarify this; it is considered rude when addressing someone that is older or of higher rank by their name. This is attributed to the Chinese influence in Japan. One can trace this back to Japan's oldest novel, The Tale Of Genji (click here for a summary of the book), where the characters are refereed to by title rather than name. Over time this became a Japanese custom. So, when one is speaking to a superior in a Japanese company, instead of using that persons name, ones uses either shaco (president), or bucho (general manager), as the case may be. If there are two or more managers present each may have a special title, or in some cases one can add the manager's name. E.g. "Manager Takaso." This system of addressing people is not limited only to the work place, the home is also a place of hierarchy. Elder brothers and sisters are refereed to as such.
To learn more about Japanese customs try these links:
Bowing
Learn more about the most common greeting in Japan.
A Friendly Word
The Japanese are very fond of salutations and other such pleasantries, though
some are reserved just for friends.
Debt of Gratitude - On
One undertakes on when favors (gifts, etc.) are received from others.
It is a special reciprocal arrangement between different classes of people that
provides a sense of appreciation and contentment.
Prior Consultation - Nemawashi
Is a method of decision making used by the Japanese to expedite a result prior
to an actual meeting. It allows people of differing beliefs to come to a unified
result.
Ninjo
Relates to the range of human emotions such as sympathy, compassion, love, friendships,
etc. Like many things in Japan, ninjo has a much deeper meaning.
Giri-Part 1
It is not an easy task to translate (yet explain) Japanese morals and emotions.
The birth of the concept of giri occurred during the feudal period in Japan,
and holds the highest regard in human relationships.
Giri-Part 2
It is not an easy task to translate (yet explain) Japanese morals and emotions.
The birth of the concept of giri occurred during the feudal period in Japan,
and holds the highest regard in human relationships.
Hagi (shame)
Japan, by nature, can be a very confusing experience for foreigners. Beyond
the language, there is the Japanese collective conscience to take into consideration.
For a foreigner, it is not just enough to speak the language, but how one speaks
the language. One can not expect one's foreign form of expressions to be a universal
form of expression, or one's moral standards to be accepted everywhere.
Keigo
Honorific language is a staple of Japanese communication. Far more than in the
west, polite terms are used when addressing or referring to someone else. This
is a very important part of the Japanese language that is not to be missed.
