Corporate-finance

When you order this paperback and it arrives you see that it is only 53 pages. Now that may sound like a lot, but some pages have as little as 4 sentences. (Page 18 may have the record with 3 whole sentences on it.) The book is small and the print is very large. The first seven pages are generic introduction about business today without reference to Japan. The has about a dozen phrases in Japanese (goodbye is sayonara). No mention is made of things like gift-giving, how to exchange cards, tact, norms in socializing, when/if to bow, much about proper ettiquete, etc. Other books tout authors that have lived in Japan and worked with the Japanese for many years. Curiously, the bios of these authors make no mention of either having any experience in Japan what-so-ever or even having visited there. I could write this book based on one two-week visit or a quick read of any other book out there.

Seven bucks for something anyone visiting Japan could write in a few hours.

The other book I got for my visit to Japan (by Rowland) was a dense 300 or so pages with glossary, and dozens and dozens of contacts in Japan and the U.S. and advice on every conceivable subject.

I would advice you to get another book. There must be others.

I feel incredibly and utterly robbed.

I am a consultant helping US companies enter the Japanese market. Often, I am asked to recommend a book. This tiny book (paperback - 55 pages!) is one of the best presentations of the crucial cultural differences between Japanese and American business cultures. Its size is perfect for two purposes: slipping into your hip-pocket for quick referencewhile on the road (I can imagine its user excusing himself from a business meeting for a quick reference to the booklet in the bathroom stall: "he closed his eyes and smiled while listening to me! what does it mean?") and for rote memorization. In fact, memorizing its central chapters (Understanding Japanese Culture, Japanese Business Etiquette, and Japanese Gestures) is probably its best single use. The weakness of the book lies in its brevity: its ratio of meaning to words is very high and there are no illustrations or examples at all, making it very likely that the reader will miss something very important. The best way to deal with this risk, I think, is to read it over and over and to think very intensely about every sentence in those three chapters. Its second shortcoming from the point of view of our visitors is that the book contains no advice on how to enter the market and how to solve practical problems. Why that should be is easy to understand: the books aim is to help dispel misunderstandings and prevent cultural gaffes. And this aim it achieves superbly. At its price the book's well worth every penny.

As an academic specializing in Latin American business, I have frequent contact with senior managers, politicians, and other academics in Mexico and throughout Latin America. As such, the inaccuracies in this book are plainly evident, and there are many. For a contemporary understanding of Mexico, I would instead recommend Bordering on Chaos by Andres Oppenheimer. An excellent introduction to Mexico's Colonial and Revolutionary history can be found in Blood Drenched Altars by Francis C. Kelley. But stay away from this one.

After living in Germany for two years, I can honestly say thatthis book does not go that much into their culture and businesspractices'.

It does provide a lot of generalities, and stereotypes. The set-up is good, American style on the left, German on the right. But for an American trying to understand German business practice, it will not give the 20/20 that a professional needs.

It leaves out things such as business hours. Which can be rather fustrating for Americans that are used to 24/7. They cherish their Sundays, and have very short business hours the rest of the week.

I was able to read this book during my train ride from Nurnberg to Bamberg, on a RE train that only covered 56K. Which means it is a relatively short book.

The German culture is much more sophisticated then the image written in the book. A businees professional that reads this book will trip over thier feet if they follow the guidelines.

Yes they are organized, and yes they like punctuallity. But they are extremely friendly, and most American customs are welcomed.

If you are about to enter into a German business agreement, learn the language. Just trying to speak their language will go a long way. My last bit of advice is don't be put off if they smoke in their office.