Tokyo Business Profile
Presiding over the world's second largest economy, Tokyo is the governmental,
financial and administrative centre of Japan. Quick to embrace modern developments
and fashions following the 1868 Meiji Restoration, Tokyo has continued to be
at the forefront of trends and technology and remains the country's most cosmopolitan
city. Japan's current drive towards economic reform and deregulation was initiated
here, and it is here that these measures are having their most immediate effect.
Unemployment is well below the country's 4.4% average, while per capita income
is over 40% higher than in other parts of the country.
Most major Japanese companies have their head office in Tokyo, and for foreign
companies a presence in Japan generally means a presence in Tokyo. The main
business districts are clustered around the National Diet and Ministry buildings
to the south and east of the Imperial Palace. The Metropolitan Government is
located in West Shinjuku, Tokyo's skyscraper office district.
In addition to the emphasis on the service industries and administration,
Tokyo is Japan's publishing and printing centre, and the busy Tokyo Bay port
handles a high proportion of the country's imports and exports. Recent deregulation
has eased market entry for foreign companies, and many are now rushing to enter
the Japanese market. Makuhari Messe, halfway between the city centre and Narita
Airport, and the new Tokyo Big Sight complex in Tokyo Bay make Tokyo Japan's
major trade fair venue. After a slow start, the internet is now increasingly
important to Japanese businesses. Hotel rooms are usually equipped with a phone
line supporting internet use, and many public telephones are equipped with
modem jacks.
Tokyo Business Etiquette
While Tokyoites are generally the most cosmopolitan of Japanese, many will
be reserved in the company of foreigners, particularly when called upon to
speak English. Whereas almost everyone under fifty has some basic knowledge
of English, very few are able to speak fluently. Misunderstandings can easily
occur and the use of professional interpreters is advised. Foreigners are not
expected to understand the complexities of Japanese etiquette and allowances
will cheerfully be made. However, it is worth bearing in mind that shoes must
be removed on entering homes and some offices and restaurants, and tips are
never expected - the practice is considered vulgar, as is eating while walking.
Blowing one's nose in public should also be avoided (it is, however, perfectly
acceptable to sniff). Business clothes should be smart but conservative and
business cards are an essential part of introductions: you will not be taken
seriously without them.
It is usual to refer to colleagues by their surnames and hierarchies should
be respected. Business negotiations may require patience as directness is mistrusted
and disliked, thus straight 'yes' or 'no' answers are generally avoided. Impatience
is frowned upon and confrontation is out of the question as it is considered
a sign of gross weakness. Apologies and thanks are very important and shouldn't
be rushed. Normal business hours are 0900-1700 Monday to Friday.
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