4 Takeaways about Japanese Networking

?Many of us in the United States are familiar with how networking works.? But what about other countries and cultures?? As part of the research for our new book Forging Bonds in a Global Workforce, we interviewed people from around the world about networking in their cultural contexts.?

This article walks you through a few takeaways from our interviews with Japanese professionals.

Takeaway #1: Compared to the US, small talk in Japan is far less present in the workplace

In Japan, casual conversation tends to be quite formal and typically lasts around five minutes or less. It is commonly instigated by individuals in positions of authority, a dynamic evident even within educational settings such as schools where students interact with professors and deans. ?If small talk happens at work, it typically begins among colleagues who share proximity in office seating arrangements.

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Takeaway #2: Office spaces and situations in which you should avoid small talk

For those accustomed to engaging in small talk across various situations in the US, it's important to note that the same norms don't apply in Japan. In Japan, small talk is typically absent from meetings, job interviews, or elevator rides, especially in larger groups.

Takeaway #3: More than your small talk skills, a shared Sake can lead the way to a solid connection

After work, it's customary for office colleagues to gather for drinks. During these gatherings, you can expect to be offered a glass of Sake, Japan's most renowned alcoholic beverage. Sharing a couple of drinks often fosters closer connections, making these after-work social events ideal for building relationships.

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Takeaway #4: The protocol for bill-paying has its own unique cultural style ?

When a smaller group of individuals goes out for coffee or lunch, it's common for those in higher positions or older individuals to cover the bill, sometimes even taking turns. However, there's typically no strict rotation for payment. In larger employee gatherings, the bill is often divided among the attendees. Conversely, for office-organized events, expenses are usually covered by the office budget.