Socio-cultural Influences on Consumption Japan - Speech or Presentation Example

Shintoism and Buddhism are the major religions in Japan. Some people practice both, as the religions complement each other in many ways. Coming to the language, Japanese is official and widely used, even in case of business communication. Interpreters do the translation in case of language-handicap experienced with overseas business clientele. They expect their language to be valued, even while using it for business, promotional or packaging purposes. People are respected by age and the ancestors are worshipped in Japan.

Extended families consisting of uncles, aunts and grandparents were of common occurrence until recent years, when the hike in real estate prices made nuclear families more feasible. However, all the relatives meet up during festivals. Thus, the consumption pattern of the consumers have changed based on the variations in the family structure. Food is an essential part of Japanese culture. The head or the eldest or the most important person is allowed to start the meal first. Soup is an accompaniment, rather than being a starter and slurping noodles even in formal meetings is usual.

Japanese remain communicate less while eating, because mealtime is meant for enjoying food. Their food philosophy is of total well-being, termed as Shokuiku. Brief cereal breakfasts, packed or bought lunches and detailed dinners with family are common (International Markets Bureau, 2010). Japanese consumers hold certain taboos, which need consideration in understanding their behavior. Saying ‘no’ is not of common practice in Japan. Pointing anything with chopsticks; usage of number ‘4’; white shirt, black trousers and black suit; exchanging food with chopsticks, etc.

, remind them of death and funeral and thus, these gestures must be avoided (kwintessential, 2004). Harmony and cooperation are the values that are promoted in Japan. Education, home and business settings revolve around working with others, being polite even in case of disagreement and learning to live in collaboration. Thus, the societal norms in Japan are community oriented. Diligence and empathy are part and parcel of their behavior, which places the thoughts and feelings of others, before one’s own (Kogler, 2006).

People assist others who need their help, by putting aside their own job at hand and they feel embarrassed when they are not in a condition to do the needful. This again reflects the emphasis on consumer service orientation and apt response to command and authority of the employees in the nation (kwintessential, 2004). The code of conduct for businesses in Japan essentially emphasizes courtesy, compassion and consideration. Maintaining a business card in Japanese, exchanging it on important occasions and treasuring those extended by the others form a part of this protocol of reverence.

While attending a business gathering, everyone is expected to look well-groomed, formal and be punctual (kwintessential, 2004). Establishing long-term business relations is preferred to immediate