Global Communication Strategy

Differences in Communication between Japan and the West

So what is the difference between communication in Japan and the West?

Characteristics of Communication in Japan

Globally, Japan ranks at the top of high-context cultures.

In extreme cases, typical Japanese communication features can include:

• Inductive way of communicating: Conclusions tend to come last, with careful explanations and evidence in front.
• Modesty and euphemisms: Modesty is considered a virtue, and far-fetched, euphemistic expressions are also often used.
• Importance of cooperation: “Harmony is respect” and to avoid conflicts and confrontations, people tend to be reluctant to express their differences in opinion.
• Ability to read air and between the lines: Tend to require listeners to be able to read air and between the lines and understand the meaning of what is said and not said.

To borrow the words of Edward T. Hall, an American cultural anthropologist, this concept of communication can also be called “high-context” communication.

As shown in the figure below, other than Japan, Asian countries such as China and Korea, as well as Arab countries, are generally considered to have a strong tendency toward high-context communication.

Characteristics of Communication in the West

If Japan is a high-context country, Europe and the United States represent the exact opposite: low-context.

So now let’s consider 4 of the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of Western-style communication.

Having worked for international and Western organizations in England, France, Switzerland, and the U.S., we believe that the main characteristics of Western communication include the following examples.

• Conclusions first: Speak conclusions first, leave reasons and details for later.
• Direct expressions: Expressing directly without side-stepping is fundamental
• The importance of discussion: It is essential to clarify differences of opinion and discuss thoroughly.
• Do not read between the lines: Be logical and seek to understand the words and context in which the listener speaks.

Background of the differences in communication between Japan and the West

Naturally, there are “cultural” differences between Japanese and Western communication.

To be more specific, they can be attributed to “language features” x “national history”.

What is High Context?　

A method of communication that involves a lot of tacit understanding (assumptions, knowledge, culture) and reading between the lines.

Japan is one of the most high-context cultures in the world, with a unique historical background that has been shared by a single-ethnic island society for thousands of years since ancient times.

Over the course of its long history, a common cultural context has been accumulated among the people. In the process, it is thought that language features such as words that change meaning depending on the situation and many of the homonyms have been formed.

In other words, over thousands of years of history, the Japanese have developed an ability to essentially breathe “A-Un” and read the messages of others without having to say a word.

What is Low Context?

A simple and clear method of communication that can be understood without any prior knowledge or understanding of the culture.

The importance of global communication

Perhaps what is important is to have an objective understanding of one’s own culture, and then be willing to understand and accept diversity.

The structure of Japanese consciousness is very different from that of a Westerners. There is no superiority in communication, and there is no right answer.

On the other hand, with the rapid progress of digitization and internationalization across industries, the opportunities for expanding your business, gaining trust, oversea partners by acquiring global standard communication skills and strategies are enormous.

Case Study of Global Communication Strategy Support

The following are examples of corporate needs related to global communication strategy that we have addressed in the recent years.

(For confidentiality reasons, the following content has been generalized.)

• Environment/Energy Related Company (U.S. Company): We have our first business meeting with a major Japanese general trading company upcoming. We would like advice on the necessary business etiquette and appropriate dialogue/communication strategies when negotiating with a Japanese company for the first time.
• A Major Foreign Consulting Firm (Japanese subsidiary): A global project consisting of members from several different nationalities is not progressing efficiently due to differences in time zones and communication styles. We would like to understand the cultural characteristics and facilitate communication more efficiently.
• Leaders of Developing Countries: I would like to send a message of condolence and encouragement to the Prime Minister regarding the disaster in Japan, but I am unsure of how to address him, considering the difference in culture. Could you please consult with me on what kind of official letter would be appropriate, in view of the content and wording?

In many cases, we are able to handle urgent projects, taking advantage of the 13-hour time difference from Japan. Please feel free to contact us for more information about our delivery schedule and services.