As 3rd largest economy in the world, Japan represents a strategic interest for EU companies. The country has the second highest spending worldwide on R&D, and its companies remain amongst the most valuable and technologically advanced in the world.

In order to successfully build a network of Japanese colleagues, proper observance of Japanese business protocol is vital, as one significant faux pas could offend your prospective business partners and cost you a lucrative business opportunity.

There are countless cross-cultural issues to be aware of when doing business in Japan. This section provides a very brief overview of certain important issues that you will come across.