Crafting effective business emails in Japanese is a crucial skill for anyone working with Japanese colleagues, clients, or partners. While the basic principles

Navigating social and business interactions in Japan often requires a nuanced approach, especially when it comes to declining requests. Directly saying “n

Have you ever wondered what someone truly thinks? In Japan, understanding true feelings goes beyond spoken words. The concept of Honne (ほんね), or one’s gen

Omotenashi (おもてなし), a uniquely Japanese concept, goes beyond simple customer service. It embodies a spirit of selfless hospitality, anticipating needs before th

Nengajo (年賀状 / ねんがじょう), or New Year’s cards, are an integral part of Japanese culture. These special postcards are exchanged among family, friends, collea

Bonenkai (忘年会 ぼうねんかい), or New Year parties, are a significant social event in Japanese corporate culture. These gatherings are not just about celebrating the en

Communication is the cornerstone of successful interactions, especially in a culturally diverse country like Japan. Understanding the nuances of Japanese commun

While doing business, your image and behavior matter – this includes any lunches or dinners of varying degrees of formality – with both clients and business acq