Help your Japanese co-workers thrive in an English business environment!
Effective communication is essential for effective collaboration and deep understanding. When working with Japanese colleagues, it's important to consider their unique background in English language education and cultural nuances. Here are some tips to enhance your communication with Japanese colleagues.
Why is it hard(er) for Japanese to learn English?
In Japan, until recently, English education heavily emphasized reading and writing skills. Many Japanese professionals have strong written English abilities but may feel less confident in speaking and listening. Because of limited real-life listening practice, their live communication skills may be impacted, and especially fast-paced conversations can be challenging.
Another reason is that the Japanese and English language and culture have little or no connection which makes it harder to learn by association. As a non-native English speaker myself but with a mother tongue that is of the same language family and culture, learning English was relatively easy. Learning Japanese however, is still way more difficult!
Some practical tips your Japanese co-worker will be grateful for:
🎯 Use clear pronunciation and avoid expressions or slang that may confuse non-native speakers.
🎯 Create a safe space for your colleagues to ask questions.
🎯Follow up discussions or meetings with written summaries or notes. This not only reinforces mutual understanding but also provides a reference for your co-workers and a document they can share with HQ.
🎯 Be patient and supportive! Encourage your colleagues and recognize their efforts in communicating in a foreign language.
🎯 Use visuals, such as charts or slides, during discussions. You probably already know that Japan is a highly visual culture, use this to your advantage!
Want to know more? At Japan Consulting Office, we specialize in equipping professionals to thrive in cross-cultural environments. Whether you’re looking for group training or one-on-one sessions, we’ve got you covered!
If you want to learn more about bridging language and cultural gaps in Japanese business, why not join one of our sessions! Here’s the link to upcoming sessions (make sure to select your timezone
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/02/japan/society/japan-youth-employment-workplace/
