Understanding the nuances of the Japanese workplace will help you integrate smoothly. While our company embraces a global mindset, some traditional Japanese business practices are still influential.

Key Principles

• Punctuality: Being on time is extremely important, for meetings and the start of the workday. Aim to be a few minutes early.
• Hierarchy & Respect: Japanese society and workplaces often have a clear sense of hierarchy. Respect for seniority and rank is expected. Address colleagues with appropriate honorifics (e.g., -san for most colleagues, -sama for very senior individuals or clients, though our company has norms more aligned with western society – observe and ask if unsure).
• Group Harmony (Wa): Emphasis is placed on maintaining harmony within the group. Decisions are often made by consensus, which can take time. Open confrontation is generally avoided.
• Attention to Detail: High standards of quality and thoroughness are valued.

Daily Interactions

• Greetings:
  • Ohayō gozaimasu (Good morning) - Used when arriving at work or for the first meeting of the day.
  • Otsukaresama desu (Thank you for your hard work / You must be tired) - A versatile phrase used throughout the day to acknowledge colleagues' efforts, when passing someone in the hallway, or when leaving work.
• Business Cards (Meishi):
  • Exchanging business cards is a formal ritual.
  • Offer and receive cards with both hands, holding it so the other person can read it.
  • Read the card carefully upon receipt and treat it with respect (don't write on it in front of the person or casually stuff it in a pocket).
  • During a meeting, place received cards on the table in front of you, arranged according to seating.
• Meetings:
  • Agendas are common.
  • Listen attentively. It's polite to nod to show you're engaged.
  • Decisions might not be made immediately in the meeting but rather through internal discussions afterward.
• Communication Style: Often indirect. "No" might be expressed in softer terms or through hesitation. Pay attention to non-verbal cues.
• Hanko/Inkan (Personal Seals): While less common for daily tasks for foreigners, these seals are used for official documents instead of signatures. Your company will advise you if you need one.

Work Environment

(This is a general overview for Japanese companies. Braid has its own specific culture and practices that are closer to western standards given the team’s international composition.)

• Office Layout: Open-plan offices are common.
• Dress Code: Varies by company. Traditionally more formal (suits), but "Cool Biz" (lighter attire in summer) and more relaxed dress codes are becoming more common, especially in tech-related industries. Clarify with HR.
• Nomikai (Drinking Parties): Socializing with colleagues after work is a common way to build relationships. Participation is often encouraged but usually not mandatory.
• Overtime: While efforts are being made to reduce long working hours, overtime can still be common in some sectors.

Work Environment at Braid