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Basic work rules in Japan

yingtong

この記事は1年以上前に書かれたもので、内容が古い可能性がありますのでご注意ください。

As a foreigner working here, I have observed that there are two types of foreigners (foreign students, at least): those try to blend in and become Japanese, and those who stick to fellow foreigners and speak their native tongues 24/7. I wouldn’t dare to say that one is better over the other, but I believe that the former would help a lot. And here, I would like to share some advice to help create friendly relations with your Japanese colleagues.

Note: This list might be flawed and is definitely inadequate; please do take this as a chance and double-check with your Japanese colleagues.

#1: Greet

The most important and basic rule to building good relations with anyone, Japanese or not. Greet, and make those shy Japanese register your presence and return your greeting.

When you enter the office:
Ohayo gozaimasu
or
Konnichiwa

When you leave the office:
Otsukare sama desu

#2: Report

Again, a basic rule to working anywhere. If you’re hired without the ability to communicate your work in Japanese, your employers probably don’t expect you to do so. And that means there’s no reason not to report your work or any problems you’re facing if you’re allowed to do so in English.

As the Japanese have it: HouRenSou
Hou=Houkoku – Report
Ren=Renraku – Contact
Sou=Soudan – Consult

When you should do your reporting:
– When required to (duh)
– When you’re faced with problems (whether or not you might overshoot your deadline)
– When there will be a change in your schedule
– When you need to double-check what is expected of you (especially important given the possibility of things being lost in translation)

#3: Communicate

Make an attempt to talk with your Japanese colleagues – in Japanese.

Hey, you’re contradicting yourself, you may think, but no, I don’t I am. There is a difference between not being expected to communicate regarding work in Japanese, and sticking to your English-speaking world. You may be content surrounded with your fellow foreigners, but since you’ve come all the way to exotic Japan, why not step out of your comfort zone and soak in the culture here? Especially if you’re Caucasian, the Japanese with their inherent shyness and inferiority complex regarding beautiful/handsome, tall white people will very rarely be the first to make the move. And even more so when faced with a herd of those beautiful/handsome, tall white people speaking in a language they barely comprehend.

Try to let them find you alone, and then ask them regarding their work, or ask for help for your own. Heck, ask them about anything.
Here are some conversation-starters you can try:
Doko shusshin desu ka? (Where are you from?)
Osusume no resutoran arimasu ka? (Any restaurants you recommend?)
Kore tabemasu ka? (Do you want to eat this?)

If the Japanese-speaking gets too tough for you, just revert back to English.

#4: Prove your worth

If you fail to do #3 above, and with negligible communication work-wise, the Japanese would have no ideas what you’re doing. You might be doing some really important work, but if you keep to yourself, it won’t change their lack-of interest/knowledge about you.

Start by acting diligent: Do not lie on the couch with the iPad even if you’re searching for work-related information. Do not chat for 1 hour over a cup of coffee even if you’re chatting about work. Do not nap at your table.

And then be proactive: Offer information that you’ve found out through your work. Ask for help. Offer your assistance. Ask for someone to translate what others are talking, or offer your own translation services. Etc.

Good luck!

Ying Tong (Who wrote the above hoping – in vain? – that the above list will be read by the Japanese newbies too)

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