{"id":36938,"date":"2024-05-14T10:42:37","date_gmt":"2024-05-14T10:42:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/?p=36938"},"modified":"2025-10-27T05:43:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T05:43:13","slug":"10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things to Know About Japanese Culture Before Interning in Tokyo"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo\/#Why_Do_You_Need_to_Be_Punctual_in_Japan\" >Why Do You Need to Be Punctual in Japan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo\/#Should_you_learn_some_Japanese_before_interning\" >Should you learn some Japanese before interning?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo\/#What_makes_the_number_four_unlucky_in_Japan\" >What makes the number four unlucky in Japan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo\/#How_can_you_avoid_letting_your_coworkers_down_in_Japan\" >How can you avoid letting your coworkers down in Japan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo\/#Are_Japanese_trains_really_always_on_time\" >Are Japanese trains really always on time?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo\/#What_is_the_significance_of_personal_seals_hanko_in_Japan\" >What is the significance of personal seals (hanko) in Japan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo\/#How_important_is_bowing_in_Japanese_culture\" >How important is bowing in Japanese culture?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo\/#How_should_you_introduce_yourself_in_Japanese\" >How should you introduce yourself in Japanese?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo\/#What_are_the_small_ways_to_show_respect_in_Japan\" >What are the small ways to show respect in Japan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo\/#How_common_is_gift-giving_in_Japan\" >How common is gift-giving in Japan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/10-things-to-know-about-japanese-culture-before-interning-in-tokyo\/#How_to_Land_an_Internship_in_Tokyo\" >How to Land an Internship in Tokyo<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japan, a country steeped in centuries of rich culture, is an alluring destination for college students seeking internships.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tokyo, as the largest metropolis and top economic hub, draws young professionals like moths to a flame.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But before you hop on that plane, you need to take some time to <\/span>learn Japanese culture<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">understand the nuances of living and working in Tokyo.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are 10 valuable insights to pay attention to before you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/tokyo-internships-demystified-your-professional-growth-in-japan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">start interning in Tokyo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re studying religion or business, graphic design or law, there are a few things you should know about <\/span>Japanese culture<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before you get there. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding these aspects of <\/span>Japanese work culture<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can make or break your time overseas \u2013 and underscore your professional success.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_You_Need_to_Be_Punctual_in_Japan\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #d4b33e;\">Why Do You Need to Be Punctual in Japan?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/programs\/tokyo-internships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Japan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, punctuality isn\u2019t just a habit \u2013 it\u2019s a way of life. In <\/span>Japanese work culture<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, being on time means being fifteen minutes early. This is a sign of respect for the people you are going to meet and the opportunities you have been given.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your working hours are 9 to 5, expect that as a bare minimum. Overtime, while not officially mandatory, is an ingrained habit in the corporate environment. Leaving before your boss is a subtle faux pas that may lead to being labeled \u201cdisrespectful\u201d or \u201cuncommitted.\u201d<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_you_learn_some_Japanese_before_interning\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #d4b33e;\">Should you learn some Japanese before interning?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-37243 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAD04391.jpg\" alt=\"MAD04391-scaled\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAD04391.jpg 300w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAD04391.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAD04391.jpg 768w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAD04391.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAD04391-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAD04391.jpg 500w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAD04391.jpg 800w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAD04391.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAD04391.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAD04391.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While English may be the lingua franca of the business world, knowing a few <\/span>important Japanese phrases can go a long way. It shows your willingness to bridge the cultural divide and can lead to more meaningful interactions.<\/p>\n<p>Not all internships provide extensive language training, so take the initiative to learn important Japanese phrases<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> For example, start by asking how to say common workplace greetings or \u201chow do you say this?\u201d in Japanese, and you\u2019ll be surprised at how eager your colleagues are to help you learn.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_makes_the_number_four_unlucky_in_Japan\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #d4b33e;\">What makes the number four unlucky in Japan?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Japanese, the number four is pronounced \u2018shi\u2019, which is also used for the word death. This association with mortality makes the number taboo, and it is often skipped in numbering as well as room assignments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/top-5-mistakes-students-make-during-their-internship-in-japan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be mindful not to use the number four<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> inadvertently, especially during business dealings. This might involve seating arrangements at a meeting, the number of gifts offered, or even the number of people attending.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_you_avoid_letting_your_coworkers_down_in_Japan\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #d4b33e;\">How can you avoid letting your coworkers down in Japan?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saying \u2018yes\u2019 is the norm, even when it\u2019s a \u2018no\u2019 in your heart. This practice, often referred to as \u2018Uchi-soto\u2019, maintains harmony and face within the team and with customers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018Hai\u2019, meaning yes, is your best friend in any work conversation. Don\u2019t be afraid to use this word often. However, understanding when a \u2018yes\u2019 may mean a \u2018no\u2019 can take some getting used to in <\/span>Japanese work culture<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Japanese_trains_really_always_on_time\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #d4b33e;\">Are Japanese trains really always on time?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve heard of the Japanese train system, you\u2019ve likely heard of its precise and near-flawless operation. Delays are rare and close to unheard of, making it a hallmark of punctuality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn the local train system by heart. You don\u2019t want to be the reason for the office-wide apology because of a delayed train. Timetables are strictly followed, so plan your commutes to the second.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_significance_of_personal_seals_hanko_in_Japan\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #d4b33e;\">What is the significance of personal seals (hanko) in Japan?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Japan, signing with a pen is secondary to the usage of a \u2018hanko\u2019, or a personal seal. It carries the weight of identity and is used in everything from business contracts to bank documents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While not compulsory for foreign interns, it\u2019s a good idea to understand and carry your own hanko when appropriate. Unique to each individual, a hanko symbolizes personal responsibility and is used with utmost care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_important_is_bowing_in_Japanese_culture\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #d4b33e;\">How important is bowing in Japanese culture?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A traditional form of greeting and showing respect, bows are a must in formal Japanese interactions. The angle and duration of the bow convey the level of respect and hierarchy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practice the art of bowing, understanding that a deeper bow is required for profound gratitude or apology. Do not underestimate its importance in <\/span>Japanese culture<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; it speaks volumes without a word.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_should_you_introduce_yourself_in_Japanese\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #d4b33e;\">How should you introduce yourself in Japanese?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proper self-introduction is a vital first step in building relationships and can set the tone for your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/my-remote-tokyo-internship-while-studying-at-durham-university\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">entire internship experience<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A clear, concise introduction is key.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always offer and receive business cards with both hands. Take a moment to study the card; this is seen as a sign of respect. It\u2019s a small yet significant gesture that shows you care about the person and the interaction. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mastering the proper way to introduce yourself in Japanese helps you appear respectful and culturally mindful.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_small_ways_to_show_respect_in_Japan\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #d4b33e;\">What are the small ways to show respect in Japan?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japan is a country that thrives on mutual respect and understanding \u2013 it\u2019s the little things that count.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be mindful to follow the unwritten rules of respect in Japan, from the way you dress to the way you eat and behave in both social and professional settings. Even something as simple as not blowing your nose in public or slamming taxi doors makes a big difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_common_is_gift-giving_in_Japan\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #d4b33e;\">How common is gift-giving in Japan?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Giving and receiving gifts is a common practice in Japan, and it is often more about the gesture than the value. It\u2019s a way to show appreciation and to express social feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When interning in Japan, be prepared to give and receive gifts thoughtfully. The act of giving is an opportunity to express gratitude and build rapport with your peers and supervisors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Land_an_Internship_in_Tokyo\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #d4b33e;\">How to Land an Internship in Tokyo<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Securing an internship in Tokyo is a competitive affair. Take proactive steps to stand out, from polishing your resume to preparing for any potential cultural sensitivity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highlight your passion for <\/span>Japanese culture<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the specific industry you\u2019re aiming for. Language skills, cultural experiences, and adaptability are key assets in landing that dream internship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Securing the ideal internship in Tokyo begins with a conversation with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absolute Internship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Explore a wide range of opportunities that provide the experience you need to thrive in Japan and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And once you\u2019re there? You\u2019re in luck. An internship in Tokyo presents a significant opportunity for enriching your personal and professional growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By familiarizing yourself with these cultural keystone practices, you will not only blend in with the locals but also create a positive and lasting impression.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approach your time in Tokyo with an open mind, a desire to learn, and a humble readiness to adapt. The rewards of such an immersive experience will undoubtedly extend far beyond the duration of your internship.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Japan, a country steeped in centuries of rich culture, is an alluring destination for college students seeking internships. Tokyo, as the largest metropolis and top economic hub, draws young professionals&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6168,"featured_media":36939,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[888],"tags":[922,921,916,870,890,856],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-36938","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tokyo-internship","tag-interning-in-tokyo","tag-internship-in-tokyo","tag-japan-internship","tag-summer-internship-tokyo","tag-tokyo-internship-opportunities","tag-tokyo-internships"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36938","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36938"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36938\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36938"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36938"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36938"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=36938"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}