Cross-Cultural Training for Japanese

All our training programs for Japanese use bilingual participant materials and can be presented in the language of your choice. Our unique training sessions, the result of intensive development work over the past decade, present information about foreign culture and business practices in a way that resonates with Japanese audiences.

Working Effectively with North Americans

Our basic session for Japanese who are working with Americans and Canadians, this session uses case studies to present some of the key differences in business culture: communication style, feedback, leadership style, and human resource practices. Throughout the session, participants are coached on how to increase the quality and quantity of their interactions with North American colleagues, suppliers, and customers. The content of this course is essential for those being transferred to work in North America, and also is important for those building business relationships with North Americans or welcoming North American staff into their workplace.

Working Effectively with Chinese

The business world is watching the rapidly expanding Chinese market. It's clear that China is positioned to become dominant force in the global economy. An increasing number of Japanese companies will have Chinese joint ventures, as well as operations, divisions, alliance partners, suppliers and customers based in China. Emphasizing personal relationships in business is an essential strategy when working in China. However, one can sometimes hear Chinese say "Americans are easier to understand than the Japanese" or "Chinese culture is closer to American culture than Japanese culture."  Why does this gap exist between our two countries, which have so much in common and a long history of cultural exchange? How can the gap be bridged to forge mutually beneficial business relationships? This seminar addresses how to effectively work with Chinese through the examination of actual case studies. The goal is to increase cross-cultural understanding and preparedness for Chinese business dealings. Our facilitators are elite Chinese nationals who have experience working in Japanese and Chinese global companies.

Korean Business Culture and Etiquette

Business relations between Japan and Korea are increasing, with Korean businesses seeking Japanese business partners and Japanese companies conducting more business in Korea. Korea has a unique culture, but many Japanese do not understand it well. In order to interact effectively and produce business results when working with Koreans, it's necessary to have a deep understanding of Korean culture and values. In order to overcome the difficult past between our two countries, and to create friendly and cooperative relationships with Koreans, it's important to know the aspects of Korean culture and etiquette that affect business relationships.

Working Effectively with Europeans

With the recent addition of ten countries, including some from Eastern Europe, the European Union has become a large entity composed of a total of 25 countries. Europe has begun to build new economic relationships that look toward the future. While "Europeans" include British, Germans, and others each with their distinct national culture that needs to be respected, we can begin to see a new common feeling that unites them. Also, Eastern Europe is likely to be a region of increasing importance and familiarity for Japanese companies.

Developing Employees for Global Success

It is also important to provide cross-cultural training to employees who will be assigned or travel frequently to regions other than those listed above. There are various basic things that are necessary in order to develop employees for global success. In regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, English is used as a common language between Japanese and the locally-hired staff, and also in those regions an appropriate global management style is necessary. This seminar is not focused on a specific region, but rather introduces cultural bridging and management techniques that are applicable across a range of countries.

Feedback Techniques

Performance evaluation and feedback are two of the most important techniques when working with non-Japanese. Yet in Japan, these have not traditionally been emphasized. Japanese who are in management positions with non-Japanese subordinates can benefit from strengthening their skills in these areas. This session uses practice exercises and role playing to help participants increase their confidence giving substantive feedback to subordinates and conducting performance evaluations. These are indispensable management techniques for adapting to a new environment.

Preventing Sexual Harassment and Discrimination

This seminar is designed to familiarize participants with the social and legal environment affecting business in North America. It describes key issues that participants need to be aware of, within in a cultural context. This session will raise participant's awareness of sexual harassment and discrimination so that they can react sensitively and appropriately when issues arise in the workplace, and identify when assistance is required from the human resource department.

Giving Presentations in English

In the global business environment, it's often necessary to introduce yourself, your company, your company's products, and prepare and present compelling proposals in English. However, this is often difficult for Japanese, who tend to lack sufficient basic training in giving presentations. Also, non-Japanese are often puzzled by the cultural differences they observe when listening to presentations given by Japanese. This seminar explains what kind of presentations non-Japanese expect, how to make your presentations easier to understand for non-Japanese, and how to be persuasive. The participative style of the session makes it clear and easy to master the skills.

Participating in Meetings in English

For many Japanese, participating in a meeting in English is quite challenging. In addition to the language barrier, the basic idea of what a meeting is for and how it should be conducted are quite different between Japan and the West. This seminar is designed to help Japanese participate more effectively in meetings with non-Japanese. The participants are taught how to utilize brainstorming, present their opinions persuasively, speak up when they have lost the thread of the conversation, and clarify a meeting's conclusions.

International Negotiation

Negotiations are an inevitable part of the international business environment. This course provides information on how different cultures approach negotiation and how that affects negotiating techniques. Specific approaches for clarifying your position, dealing with the twists and turns of the negotiating process, and achieving a win-win solution are presented.

Basic Etiquette for Life in North America

Being comfortable living in North America greatly impacts how successful an employee will be at work. This course is designed for expatriates who will be transferred to North America, and gives them information that will help them make a smooth transition. In addition to focusing on how to get off to a good start in the workplace, this session also discusses issues outside of work including school and community interactions. A module on culture shock and stress management is designed to help prevent severe transition difficulties that could have a negative impact on work activities.

Continental Table Manners

When visiting Europe or being transferred to live there, many Japanese feel uncomfortable during business lunches. The necessary etiquette is not part of Japanese culture, and doing things improperly may be misunderstood by Europeans. Before dining with Europeans, it's important to master the basic Western etiquette. If you have mastered the French art of enjoying a meal, you won't need to worry about making a poor impression when dining with someone important. This practical seminar is indispensable for anyone doing business with Europeans.

Training for spouses of employees being transferred abroad

Spouses of employees who are scheduled to transfer overseas have a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, focused on issues such as schooling for the children, health, the language barrier, and cultural differences. This seminar helps to allay those concerns, and enable the participants to approach their overseas experience in a positive frame of mind. The specifics covered in the session will vary by the destination location(s) that the participants are headed for. The session is intended to foster a feeling of confidence in the participants. We encourage companies not to overlook the needs of this key group, spouses.