Embarking on a journey to Japan for work or business can be a wholly novel experience, especially if one is unacquainted with the intricacies of Japanese management style. This is why the EU-Japan Centre consistently arranges pre-departure briefings to Japan via cross-cultural webinars. Parissa Haghirian, an esteemed Professor of International Management at Sophia University in Tokyo and cross-cultural expert for the EU-Japan Centre, has agreed to elucidate the process and objectives behind these cross-cultural webinars. 

By Parissa Haghirian

“As a Pre-Departure-Briefing expert at the EU-Japan Centre of Industrial Cooperation, I facilitate an essential bridge between European businesses and the Japanese market's challenges.

The EU-Japan Centre Pre-departure briefings and the GRFJ seminars are crucial for anyone looking to do business in Japan. These sessions provide valuable insights into the Japanese market, culture, and business practices that can make or break a deal. Participants are better prepared to navigate the nuances of conducting business in Japan and are more likely to succeed in their endeavours. Plus, networking opportunities at these events allow attendees to connect with other like-minded individuals who share an interest in the Japanese market. For anyone serious about expanding a business into Japan, these briefings and seminars are a must. The Japanese culture greatly emphasises respect, hierarchy, and politeness, and observing proper etiquette demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to understanding their customs. This includes not only exchanging business cards, bowing, using honorific language when addressing superiors, and being punctual to meetings but also understanding why Japanese business partners behave in a certain way and managing expectations of European managers and entrepreneurs planning to do “Business in Japan.” Bridging the gap between theory and practice, we aim to empower participants with actionable strategies and a nuanced understanding of Japanese management principles. Our focus here lies on Japanese social concepts and how they influence society and consequently businesses and management practices.

The EU-Japan Centre has always supported these endeavours with professional service and a vast pool of industry experts. In the past years, the EU-Japan Centre of Industrial Cooperation has explored innovative training formats such as interactive workshops and virtual simulations, which enhance engagement and facilitate practical learning. By embracing these strategies and remaining agile in its approach, the EU-Japan Centre of Industrial Cooperation will continue delivering exceptional value to its participants and contribute to advancing EU-Japan business relations.”

Published: June 2024