2 Japanese Culture Part 1

Summary

This video explores the cultural differences between Japanese and Filipino work habits, focusing on family priorities, ethics, and workplace manners. It compares the Japanese emphasis on work discipline, responsibility, and respect for rules with the Filipino value of family, sometimes even over work. The script highlights common complaints from Japanese employers about Filipino workers' behavior, such as lack of cleanliness and noise. It also introduces basic Japanese vocabulary related to work, underscoring the importance of commitment and respect in Japanese business culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japanese work culture places great importance on providing for the family, with work being prioritized over self and family duties. This is in contrast to the Filipino culture, where family comes first, followed by self, and then work.
• 😀 In Japan, commitments (Yakuzoku) are taken very seriously, and promises are seen as binding. This cultural value highlights the importance of trust and responsibility in Japanese business etiquette.
• 😀 Japanese people are highly disciplined, with a strong emphasis on individual responsibility, which extends to their work habits and community behavior.
• 😀 Filipino workers are appreciated for their hard work and responsibility, but they are also known for a more relaxed approach to community rules compared to Japanese expectations.
• 😀 The importance of punctuality and cleanliness in the workplace is emphasized in Japanese culture, and failing to adhere to these norms can lead to dissatisfaction among employers.
• 😀 Japanese companies in the Philippines value the labor force for its cost-effectiveness, hardworking attitude, and commitment, which are major reasons for the presence of 1,700 Japanese companies in the country.
• 😀 One key issue that Japanese employers face with foreign workers is a lack of respect for community rules, such as proper garbage disposal, which can cause frustration in workplace settings.
• 😀 Japanese workers are generally non-confrontational and avoid saying 'no' directly. Instead, they say 'hai' (yes), even if they have reservations, reflecting the importance of maintaining harmony in interactions.
• 😀 Foreign trainees and workers in Japan are expected to adjust to local customs, including avoiding loud behavior, ensuring cleanliness, and respecting personal and community space.
• 😀 Learning basic Japanese phrases, such as 'Shigoto' (work) and 'Yakuzoku' (promise), is crucial for effective communication in a Japanese business environment.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the training module?

The primary focus of the training module is to help learners understand Japanese culture in a business context, comparing it with Filipino culture and work habits, and providing an overview of common Japanese work ethics, manners, and cultural practices.

How do Japanese and Filipino cultures differ in terms of the importance of work, family, and self?

In Japanese culture, work is prioritized as a means to support the family and future, with a strong emphasis on discipline and productivity. In Filipino culture, family is the top priority, and personal commitments often take precedence over work, as seen in personal anecdotes where individuals might leave work to care for family members.

What is the significance of 'yakuzoku' in Japanese culture?

'Yakuzoku' refers to a promise or commitment in Japanese culture, emphasizing the importance of keeping one's word. This concept is deeply embedded in their work ethics and interpersonal relationships, symbolizing trust and reliability.

What are some common complaints that Japanese employers have about Filipino workers?

Japanese employers commonly complain about Filipino workers leaving kitchens messy, not following community rules (such as proper garbage disposal), clogging toilets, walking around with shoes indoors, and disturbing neighbors with loud noise.

Why do Japanese people rarely say 'no' in a conversation?

Japanese people typically avoid saying 'no' directly as it is seen as rude. Instead, they often say 'yes' to show willingness, even if they may not fully commit to the request. This indirect communication style is rooted in their cultural norms of maintaining harmony and avoiding confrontation.

What role do Japanese investors play in Filipino-owned companies like EMS Group?

Japanese investors in Filipino-owned companies, like EMS Group, contribute to boosting the company's operations, sharing technological expertise, and improving business processes, although the company itself remains 100% Filipino-owned.

What is the meaning of the Japanese word 'shigoto'?

'Shigoto' means work in Japanese. It highlights the central role that work plays in Japanese culture and is essential to understanding their approach to work and business.

How does the safety in Japan compare to the Philippines, according to the module?

Japan is described as a very safe country, where human rights are well respected and public safety is highly prioritized. This contrasts with the Philippines, where issues like implementation of discipline (e.g., in public transportation) can be inconsistent.

What are some cultural differences between Japan and the Philippines in terms of cleanliness and discipline?

Japanese people are very disciplined about cleanliness and organization, including at work. In contrast, while Filipinos are hardworking, there are inconsistencies in following rules related to cleanliness and order, as seen in complaints about leaving areas messy or failing to follow certain public protocols.

How does the Japanese concept of work differ from the Filipino concept, based on the training module?

In Japan, work is seen as an essential duty and an integral part of contributing to family and society, often demanding strict discipline. In the Philippines, while work is also important, family is prioritized, and there is more flexibility in how personal obligations are balanced with work responsibilities.