The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the world, bringing many aspects of daily life to a halt. However, as the world slowly recovers, we are starting to see signs of life returning to normal. Japan, for instance, is experiencing a rebound towards pre-pandemic levels in various sectors, including tourism and entertainment. In mid-April, the two-day Spring Takayama Festival, also known as Sanno Matsuri, was held in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, with an estimated 168,000 people in attendance. This number was more than triple the attendance of the previous year, which saw 53,000 people attending the festival. The festival's main event, a parade of floats, was held for the first time in four years, attracting many tourists from Japan and beyond. This surge in tourism is a welcome relief for the industry that was severely hit by the pandemic.   The tourism industry's impact was felt by businesses such as the Yakatabune pleasure boat, which saw a significant decline i...

If you're planning on doing business with Japan, it's important to understand that the culture is very relationship-oriented. But it's not just about the basic formalities like age, status, business cards, and bowing. In fact, even if you're fluent in the language and familiar with the customs, you still might not be able to close a deal with a Japanese company. Why is that? Well, it could be because you're not Japanese. To them, you will always be a gaijin, or foreigner. Sometimes, that's all it takes for a business venture to fail.   In this guide, we'll take a deeper look at the cultural differences that can impact business in Japan. We'll explore the concepts of relationships and trust, hierarchy and status, communication and decision-making, and more. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of how to navigate these cultural nuances and build successful business relationships in Japan.   So let's get started, and remember, がん...