Japanese for Business: Boost Your Career with Language Skills

Japan is home to the best companies in the world. Sony and Toyota are only a few names representing most Japanese companies worldwide. These businesses make Japan an excellent hub for new opportunities. Many Indian students prefer working in Japan due to its high-end lifestyle and new avenues for exploration. Hence, learning Japanese through a Japanese language course doesn’t sound like a bad idea. 

Why Learn Japanese for Business?

Japan has economically solid ties with the global market. It contributes around 4.2% to the worldwide economy. However, Japan does this through collaboration with different businesses and talented people worldwide. It forms a synergy between everyone and creates an environment of excellent partnerships. 

You can also join the Japanese business ecosystem and contribute with your skills. The demand for Japanese-speaking business professionals has also increased with globalisation. You can become one such professional who is an asset to the company. You will become an invaluable part of Japan's vast network of global business connections. 

Essential Japanese Business Etiquette

Japanese language classes in Pune will train you in business etiquette and language skills. However, you will have to practice these skills. Let’s look at a few basic mannerisms that Japanese businessmen follow: 

• Greeting everyone before a meeting. 
• Giving polite introductions with name and designation. 
• Exchanging business cards to expand their network.
• Gifting custom articles to send good wishes to potential clients. 
• Following proper dining etiquette during business lunches and parties. 

Key Japanese Business Phrases and Vocabulary

Here are a few common Japanese phrases you can use. 

• Ohayou gozaimasu: It means good morning in Japanese. You can say this at the beginning of your day. 
• Konnichiwa: This phrase means ‘hello’. 
• Arigatou gozaimasu: This phrase means ‘thank you’ and can be used to express gratitude to your co-workers. 
• Sumimasen: This phrase means ‘sorry’. You can use it depending on the situation. 
• Onegaishimasu: It is a phrase which means please. 
• Shitsurei Shimasu: Suppose you are leaving a place. You can say goodbye in this way. 
• Otsukaresama desu: This phrase shows appreciation for people for their hard work. 
• Yoroshiku onegaishimasu: It shows that you are glad to meet someone. 
• Wakarimasen: Imagine you are unable to understand something. You can say it to clear your doubts.  
• Chotto matte kudasai: You can say, ‘Please wait a moment’ when doing something important. 
• Mou ichido onegaishimasu: You can ask someone to repeat themselves with this phrase. 

Effective Communication Strategies in Japanese Business

The Japanese business environment has a very formal and professional etiquette. You need to employ these strategies to build more close relationships. 

• Engage in small talk. 
• Be indirect in your communication. Use phrases such as  "It's difficult" or "We will consider it" to imply a negative response.
• Understand their cultural nuances and differences. 
• Be an active listener. Showing interest in their projects is the best way to build connections. 
• Avoid negatively phrased questions. 
• Understand their sense of humour and joke within acceptable limits. 
• Avoid laughing and acting too casually during a business conversation. 

Tips for Learning Japanese for Business

Here are some tips for learning Japanese for business purposes. These tips can be used in conjunction with your Japanese language course. 

• Use immersion techniques. You can watch anime or read Japanese books to learn the words. 
• You can use online resources and language learning apps. They will help you perform better in your actual classes. 
• You can also find a private tutor if you have an urgent requirement. 
• You can also attend language exchange programmes where real Japanese people interact with you. 

Career Opportunities with Japanese Language Skills

Let’s look at a few career opportunities requiring Japanese language skills. These career options will help you bag high salary packages. 

• International business development: You can procure new clients for a company. Your Japanese language skills will allow you to communicate with Japanese customers. 
• Marketing and sales: You can also join an international marketing division of a Japanese company. Your language skills will provide you with a career boost. 
• Human resources: You can become an HR manager with an MBA. Japanese will be an added advantage if you apply to Japan-based companies. 
• Translation and interpretation: It is probably one of the most sought-after jobs for Japanese speakers. You can translate movies and books from Japanese into your native language. 
• Consulting: Consultancies often hire people with some foreign language proficiency. They have international clients, and such professionals are precious. 

Learning Japanese will open doors to exciting career opportunities in Japan. It is the language of new-age business ventures. You can position yourself as a valuable asset to international companies. With the Symbiosis Japanese language course, you will achieve fluency and unlock a world of possibilities.