Understanding Japan
Your Gateway to Japanese Business Success
Unlock new opportunities in cross-cultural business with our tailored eLearning courses and personalized coaching.
Gain the skills and insights you need to collaborate effectively with Japanese business partners.
Why Understanding Japanese Business Culture Matters
Our Solution for Successful Collaboration with Japanese Partners
eLearning & Coaching– Tailored to Your Needs
- 100% digital – learn anytime, anywhere
- Customized guidance – tailored to your specific business challenges
- Practical & actionable – apply insights immediately
Explore our Japan eLearning & Coaching options below!
Unlock Success in Japanese Business with Our eLearning & Coaching
Our eLearning and personalized coaching services equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of Japanese business culture with confidence.
- Gain deep insights into Japanese business values, etiquette, and decision-making.
- Foster effective collaboration with Japanese colleagues and partners.
- Receive tailored strategies for Japan-specific business challenges.
- Build high-performing Japanese-European teams that thrive across cultures.
- Strengthen your company’s intercultural competence for long-term success.
We are dedicated to empowering you and your business to cultivate strong, successful partnerships in Japan.
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: Why It’s Not Expected (and Might Even Be Offensive) If you’re traveling to Japan…
A Surprising Rule
The Runny Nose Dilemma – A Surprising Rule of Japanese Etiquette When it comes to…
The Business Card Ritual
First Impressions Matter: The Japanese Business Card Ritual There are countless articles and videos on…
Personal Space
Mind the Gap – Understanding Personal Space in Japan If you’re used to the warm…
Decision-Making in Companies
Decision-Making in Japanese Companies: Understanding the Process One of the most common questions I hear…
Do it as other do, too

Get support for your Japan business!
- IOC, International Olympic Committee
- Airbus
- Lufthansa
- Roche
- Merz
- Sandoz
- Ratiopharm
- Siemens
- Bosch
- Mazda Motor
- Continental
- Konica Minolta, Mitsubishi
- European Committee
are just some of the organizations which have improved their Japan business with the help of Understanding Japan.
About us
Understanding Japan
Understanding Japan offers its clients the highest degree of professionalism and expertise in its seminars and webinars on intercultural aspects of doing business with Japanese companies. We not only present our clients with solid theoretical background knowledge on Japan, its culture and business practices, but also provide many practical tips and solutions that can be directly implemented. Watch a German YouTube video about Understanding Japan and click subtitles for the English translation.
Ulrike Fröhlich

Founded by Ulrike Fröhlich, Understanding Japan focuses on bridging cultural divides through insightful training and consultations. Our aim is to foster successful international collaborations.
With extensive experience in Japanese management practices and business culture, we offer tailored e-learning solutions and personalized coaching that equip individuals and companies with the essential skills needed to thrive successfully in the competitive Japanese markets.
Publications

Ulrike has written many articles about building international teams, understanding different ways people communicate, and working together online. Her writings help people learn how to work well with others from different cultures and places.