Understanding Japan –
Your Bridge to Japanese Business Success

Japanese business culture training - Practical trainings, eLearning, and consulting – making collaboration with Japan easier, faster, and more successful.

20+ years of experience · EN/DE · Interactive eLearnings

Flexible Ways to Learn & Grow

Understanding Japan helps professionals succeed with Japanese business culture training. Through eLearning, consulting, and coaching, we turn expertise into practical results.

Choose the format that fits your goals.

Academy

eLearning plus Q&A

Bite-size eLearning modules, real cases and regular Q&A. Very interactive. Flexible, scalable, ready to use.

Sprint

4 week sessions + eLearning

A focused 4-week mix of eLearning and live sessions: Diagnose → Actions → Implementation → Review.

Wallet

Flexible support package

All our services on demand — sessions, coaching, consulting and eLearning — via a flexible hours package.

Who we support

We work with leaders, project managers, HR experts, expats, and professionals across industries. Moreover, our programs are tailored to the specific challenges of different sectors.
Our service is:

For everyone working with Japan.

Industries we support include:

Key Topics

Our focus is always on helping you succeed in Japanese–Western business contexts.

We cover meetings, negotiations, and teamwork. This way, you gain both strategic insights and practical tools for real collaboration.

Click on each topic to discover how we can support you in working with Japan.

Effective Collaboration with Japanese Partners

Learn how to build trust, improve communication, and avoid misunderstandings when working with Japanese colleagues.

Western–Japanese Team Development

Combine working styles, align decisions and keep momentum in mixed teams.

Successful Meetings with Japanese Colleagues

Master flow, roles and hidden signals to make meetings respectful and effective.

Preparing for Business Trips & Assignments

Etiquette, meetings and everyday life — practical skills for short trips and long-term expatriation.

Winning & Retaining Japanese Customers

Apply Omotenashi in B2B: expectations, service mindset and reliable follow-up

Mergers & Acquisitions with Japanese Companies

Bridge organizational cultures and support smoother integration during JV / M&A.

Negotiations with Japanese Partners

Understand negotiation logic, prepare stakeholders and reach sustainable win-win outcomes.

We focus on you — and your business

Because every partnership with Japan starts with people.

Entering the Japanese Market

Market logic, partner choice and first steps — avoid common pitfalls from day one.

Why it’s essential

Japanese and Western business cultures differ in many ways. Therefore Understanding Japanese business culture isn’t a luxury – it’s a key to avoiding costly mistakes, and building long-term trust. As a result, mutual understanding becomes essential for success.

Clarity

Save Time & Avoid Mis-understandings

Small differences in communication can delay projects – clarity avoids weeks of back-and-forth.

Trust

Build Trust & Strong Relationships

Respecting etiquette and unspoken rules creates credibility and opens doors.

Results

Achieve Sustainable Success

Projects and partnerships with Japan thrive when cultural fluency is part of the strategy.

How we work

Our approach makes collaboration clear, structured, and tailored to your needs.

Discover & Diagnose

We listen, analyze your situation, and uncover the real challenges in working with Japan.

Design & Act

Together, we design a tailored mix of training, coaching, and eLearning – and put it into action.

Apply & Grow

You apply the new skills in real life – with ongoing support to achieve sustainable results.

Why trust Understanding Japan?

We combine expertise, experience, and a proven track record to help you succeed with Japanese partners.

At Understanding Japan, we bring clarity and confidence to international collaboration – through training, eLearning, and consulting.

Founded by Ulrike Fröhlich, Understanding Japan draws on 20+ years of experience in bridging cultural divides between Europe and Japan.

Ulrike has published widely on intercultural leadership, Japanese business etiquette, and international team collaboration.

Our Track Record

Trusted by leading companies and institutions across Europe and Japan.

Clients include organizations from finance, pharma, automotive, technology, and the public sector.

Deutsche Bundesbank, ING-DiBa, Roche, Sandoz
Siemens, Airbus, Bosch, Continental
IOC – International Olympic Committee, European Commission
… and many more

Essential Japanese Business Etiquette

The good news? Japanese professionals are generally understanding and forgiving when it comes to cultural missteps. When such moments occur, they’re often met with a simple thought—“Ah, a gaijin (foreigner)”—rather than judgment. However, being mindful of local customs demonstrates respect and can leave a lasting positive impression. Below, you’ll find an overview of common etiquette pitfalls and how they are perceived in Japan. With this knowledge, you can confidently navigate business interactions with cultural sensitivity and professionalism.

Tipping in Japan

Tipping in Japan is not customary – it can even be considered rude. Instead of money, gratitude is shown through polite thanks, small gifts, or sincere appreciation. Learn why service in Japan is different and how to express thanks the right way.

A Surprising Rule

Blowing your nose in public may seem normal elsewhere, but in Japan it’s considered impolite and unhygienic. Instead, people sniffle quietly or step aside to a restroom. Discover why masks are widely used and how small habits reflect deeper values of respect and harmony.

The Business Card Ritual

In Japan, exchanging business cards is more than formality—it’s a ritual of respect. Present and receive cards with both hands, acknowledge names, and treat each card with care. Mastering meishi kōkan sets the tone for trust and professionalism in every business relationship.

Personal Space

In Japan, personal space is a sign of respect. Hugs and handshakes are rare, while bows and subtle non-verbal cues dominate greetings. Even in crowded trains, boundaries matter. Learn how adapting to Japan’s sense of distance shows consideration and builds mutual comfort.

Decision-Making in Companies

Decision-making in Japan is often a group effort rather than an individual act. The process of nemawashi (informal consensus-building) takes time but creates alignment and trust. Understanding this culture of consensus helps foreign partners avoid frustration and build stronger business relationships.

Ready to make working with Japan easier?

From first impressions to long-term partnerships – we help you succeed.

Understanding Japan – Your Bridge to Japanese Business Success