Cultural Adaptation Skills When Working at Japanese Companies

Date: 2025.06.17

Cultural Adaptation Skills When Working at a Japanese Company

Working at a Japanese company is a journey that is both challenging and exciting. It requires not only professional knowledge, but you must also possess the “essential skills” to adapt to the unique corporate culture of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Why Do You Need “Adaptation Skills” When Working in Japan?

Japanese corporate culture is vastly different from Vietnamese culture, from communication and behavior to hierarchy systems and decision-making processes. This is why many foreign employees, despite their professional competence, still fail when they cannot adapt.

🔍 Real-life Examples:

1. Cultural Shock from Day One

Mr. Tuan Kien – a Vietnamese engineer in Saitama – was shocked when colleagues worked from early morning and left late. “Voluntary overtime” became invisible pressure.

2. Proper Communication and Behavior

Ms. Hong Nhung – an accountant in Kanagawa – took over six months to get used to bowing, kneeling to receive instructions, and always maintaining a serious attitude.

3. Internal Cultural Pressure

Even Japanese people feel burdened by office culture. Many use “resignation proxy services” because they’re afraid of their bosses and don’t know how to say no.

1. The Art of Communication: Keigo and “Reading the Air” Skills

Keigo – Mandatory Honorific Language

・Sonkeigo (尊敬語): Showing respect to others

・Kenjougo (謙譲語): Being humble about oneself

・Teineigo (丁寧語): Common politeness

📌 Examples:

“I will do it” → “やらせていただきます”

“He did it” → “なさいました”

“Reading the Air” (空気を読む)

Skills for sensing meeting atmospheres:

・Boss staying silent → Opinion not yet approved

・Avoiding eye contact → Disagreement

・Meeting dragging on → Unresolved issues

2. Workplace Behavior in Japanese Companies

Time Rules: Early is On Time

Arriving 10-15 minutes early shows respect and professionalism.

Nemawashi Culture – Building Consensus

Process of seeking opinions before official meetings:

・Meet individually with relevant parties

・Listen and adjust proposals

・Ensure consensus before formal presentation

Ringi – Bottom-up Approval

From employee → team leader → director. Requires systematic, logical proposals that respect procedures.

3. Adapting to Organizational Culture

Becoming “Uchi” – An Insider

・Participate in nomikai parties

・Show loyalty, avoid job-hopping talk

・Support colleagues when needed

Senpai-Kohai System

・Respect seniors, frequently seek their opinions

・Guide juniors, maintain clear communication hierarchy

Working According to Japanese Rhythm

・Understand expectations: 8 hours/day is just formal

・Manage productivity and know how to say “no” properly

4. Advanced Communication Skills

Business Language Layers

・With customers: Highest keigo, don’t use “san” after titles

・With colleagues: Use teineigo or keigo depending on level

Resolving Conflicts Subtly

・Avoid direct confrontation

・Use intermediaries

・Focus on common interests

・Avoid public arguments

5. Career Development Strategies at Japanese Companies

Building Reputation

・Complete tasks on time

・Prepare thoroughly, pay attention to details

・Continuous learning (Kaizen)

・Specialize deeply in one field

Effective Networking

・Join clubs and internal activities

・Learn about Japanese culture

・Maintain long-term relationships and regularly send greetings

6. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Regarding Communication:

❌ Too direct, interrupting others

✅ Use tactful language, observe and listen

Regarding Attitude:

❌ Overconfident, impatient

✅ Ask for opinions, thank frequently, be patient with processes

7. Useful Tools & Resources

Recommended Books:

・The Culture Map – Erin Meyer

・Nihon no Kaisha to Shigoto Bunka – Yoshiko Nakano

Courses:

・Udemy – Business Japanese Communication

・Coursera – Working in Japanese Companies

Practice:

・Hikari Nihongo Club (HCM)

・Connect with Japanese mentors via HelloTalk, Interpals

・Record daily communication practice

Conclusion: Adaptation is a Long-term Journey

Working at a Japanese company is a journey of daily self-improvement. Through persistence, humility, and continuous learning, you won’t just adapt but thrive in this environment.

See challenges as opportunities – to elevate yourself, integrate into the culture, and build a solid career in Japan.