Customer Reviews

Etiquette Guide to Japan: Know the Rules that Make the Difference!

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In Japan, as visiting foreigners keep discovering -- if they're paying proper attention -- "etiquette" means a great deal more than simply knowing which knife and fork to use. (Or, in this case, what not to do with your chopsticks.) Japan has been a deeply and subtly ritualized and mannered society for millennia, and even with the postwar easing of some rituals and the introduction and acceptance of certain Westernisms -- and even though the Japanese are generally tolerant of minor faux pas on the part on non-Japanese -- the foreign visitor still needs to be very aware of the expectations of those around him. However, this book is also an excellent source for the non-visitor who simply has an interest in Japanese society and culture. The author has been both a periodic resident and been otherwise closely involved with Japan for going on six decades, and he's also a very observant and thoughtful writer, which makes him an ideal guide for the westerner on all things Japanese. He not only tells you what to do, what not to do, and what you can get away with, he provides the historical background, the psychological rationalization, which not even some Japanese are really aware of. This will help you to extrapolate your behavior in other situations, and will assist you toward an understanding of why the Japanese are the way they are. Those shallow-thinkers who consider the Japanese simply "inscrutable," alien, and beyond American understanding should definitely read this book.

Virtually essential when travelling to Japan for business (or visiting relatives) and extremely helpful for the casual tourist. In spite of its brevity, it covers nearly all of the essentials and provides a weath of historical and cultural background for many of the customs. Even though this is the only one I have read so far, I would imagine that other books by De Mente are well worth reading.

I got this book to find out what my Japanese wife hadn't told me about being polite during our visits to Japan. I found a few new tidbits in the book (keep in mind that I've visited Japan a dozen times or so) that I didn't know. And much of the stuff I already knew was well described for the most part. It goes into detail, such as with gift giving, holidays, visits to friends and family, some business protocols (such as viewing business cards). The book misses some trivial errors, such as never moving a floor pillow (sabuton) with your feet, how to drink from a fountain at a buddhist shrine, and that you don't have to bow to every store clerk that bows to you. With that said, there is plenty to learn in this guide.

I feel the book will be most useful to someone who plans an immersion trip to Japan or needs to go there on business. If you are just sight-seeing, this book is probably a bit much. The book also does not go into details for making a living, getting an apartment or the such, so if you are moving, this may make a nice second book.

(I wish I got this book for my brother-in-law, who went to Japan to sign a deal. The next morning, after a wild night on the town with the president of the company, he hugged the president in front of numerous employees bidding him farewell--instead of a bow and handshake. The million-dollar deal fell through and he never hard from the president again.)

Japan is a wonderful adventure to the western traveler. It is, however, a very different culture. This guide helps you avoid mistakes and take advantage of wonderful Japanese hospitality. The country is beautiful and the people are kind and welcoming...if you show the proper amount of respect for their customs. Read this easy guide to be sure you understand what is happening while you are there and to show the respect you will fell.

My daughter was going to Japan to spend several weeks with her boyfriends family. I figured she needed some help in the subtle manners that would prepare her to be the best guest she could. It makes for great reading on a long flight! She felt that there were many bits of information that really helped her. Going to Japan with a local is extremely advantagous, but sometimes they forget the details. Lots of good info.

excellent advice for anybody that is going to Japan and doesn't want to offend their local hosts or friends.

This book hits the nail on the head as far as manners in Japan go. Though you won't be expected to know but, knowing etiquette will surprise those you encounter and make a very good impression.

Ok, travelers, will focus on you, but will also add some commentary for those seeking DNA elements of the Toyota Production System ("TPS", also known as "lean manufacturing").

I am busy at home and work, so when a business trip to Japan was suggested, I wanted a brief, yet comprehensive book on basic etiquette. This author not only achieves both these aims, but also describes "why" customs and such are the way there are... knowing the "why" makes the "how" easier to do correctly, no matter how foreign (or contradictory) something might appear.

Pro:
+Brief, yet surprisingly comprehensive, details not only "how" things work, but the "why" as well
+Awkward miscues (i.e. the whole bowing and shaking hands when exchanging business cards thing) and contradictory/confusing behaviors (e.g. friendly when one-on-one in the evening, but cold and distant the next day at work) finally explained!
+Historical notes of where things came from was interesting as a traveler and practitioner of lean manufacturing as well... helps explain some of those little things that make TPS so hard to translate into a functional system in the West

Con:
-None observed, and I pride myself on finding at least one observation to add balance to my reviews (and to build reviewing/observations skills as well)

Bottom line: HIghly recommended for travelers. I think it is also a must read for passionate lean zealots.

This was an interesting book, but we found the info in the guide book to be enough for our trip. Maybe better for someone planning to live there.

My company mainly deals with Aerospace Defense. My background is as a military officer. I found this as a quick read and read while flying to Japan. Insightful in knowing the history and customs of the Japanese people, as well as understanding how to conduct business with the Japanese.