Understanding and Overcoming Challenges for Non-Japanese Employees in Japanese Companies – Part 1
Japanese companies are globally recognized for their discipline, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence—traits that have propelled their success on the world stage. Yet, for non-Japanese professionals stepping into these organizations, the experience can be both enriching and demanding. In this three-part series, we delve into the cultural and workplace challenges often encountered by expatriates and international employees, offering valuable insights to help you navigate, adapt, and excel in this unique environment.
Key Challenges and Benefits for Non-Japanese Employees
1. Language Barriers
The Challenge: In many companies, Japanese remains the primary language for informal conversations, meetings, and workplace documentation. Also, Keigo, the honorific language used in Japanese business culture, can be especially daunting to learn (if you want to learn more about Keigo, click here). Additionally, Japanese communication is deeply influenced by subtle cues and high-context interactions, making it difficult for non-natives to fully grasp. This can create a significant barrier to understanding company culture and effectively integrating into the workplace.
The Upside: A lot of companies here support foreign employees in learning Japanese while also encouraging their Japanese staff to brush up on their English. It’s a two-way street that creates a fun, collaborative work vibe—and it’s an awesome way to build some valuable cross-cultural communication skills along the way. Don’t stress too much, you were hired for your English skill, so relax and enjoy working in Japan, your language skills will eventually improve!
Tip: Don’t avoid meetings, even if you don’t fully grasp everything being discussed. Take the initiative to attend team meetings and participate in social events with colleagues. Requesting meeting minutes when available, to catch up on key details can be also helpful.
2. Cultural Differences
The Challenge: In Japan, workplace hierarchy is a big deal. Seniority and age often hold more weight than merit or achievements, which can feel a bit strange if you’re used to flat hierarchies and open communication. On top of that, feedback, disagreements, and even criticism are often given indirectly, which might be tricky if you’re used to a more straightforward approach.
The Upside: Japanese workplace culture is all about teamwork, loyalty, and attention to detail. It’s a collaborative, structured environment where people genuinely support each other. Plus, many companies prioritize employee well-being, offering perks like subsidized meals, wellness programs, and even housing allowances.
Tip: You were hired for your fresh perspective, so don’t feel like you have to completely blend in or become “too Japanese.” Share your ideas respectfully while taking time to observe and adapt to the company’s structure. Show respect to senior employees, and introduce your ideas with tact. Japanese workplaces value mutual respect and thoughtful feedback, so embracing these customs will help you build stronger relationships, gain credibility, and make a real impact.
3. Consensus-Driven Decision-Making
The Challenge: In Japanese workplaces, decisions are often made through consensus rather than quick, independent calls. The focus is on group harmony and collaboration, which is great for teamwork but can feel slow and bureaucratic if you’re used to a faster, more autonomous style. Speaking up too strongly or challenging the norm might also come across as disruptive.
The Upside: This process creates a super collaborative culture, strengthens teamwork, builds mutual respect, and fosters a supportive, harmonious environment. Plus, shared responsibility means stronger professional relationships all around.
Tip: Be patient and plan for a collaborative workflow. If you’re leading a project, get the team involved early and ask for their input before the meeting. Keep in mind that decisions might take longer, as they often need approval from multiple levels. Respecting this process helps you build trust, encourage teamwork, and achieve better results.
What does it boil down to?
In Japan, whether you’re in a meeting or just hanging out, the ability to “read the room” is a big deal. Known as 空気を読む (“kūki wo yomu”), which literally means “reading the air,” it’s all about picking up on unspoken expectations and understanding the vibe of the group. It’s a key part of communication—spotting subtle cues and responding in the right way. To really connect and communicate in Japan, it’s not just about learning the language. You’ve got to dive into the culture too!
Check back later for Part 2!
