As the world's third largest economy, Japan has a very high GDP, exceeding that of France by 79%. Its market is mature and sophisticated focused on innovation, new services and exports in high value-added sectors such as automotive, machinery and electronics.

Good to know :

Language Spoken : Japanese
Local Currency : Yen
Capital : Tokyo

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.E in Japan

Do you already meet the criteria of the International Young Talent Program ?
Doubts about your eligibility ? Feel free to contact us.

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.A in Japan

To go to Japan as a V.I.A, you must fulfil the access conditions to the V.I.A.
The administration that is recruiting you is responsible for your residence permit.

The cultural work codes in Japan

In Japan, work, like other aspects of life in society, is highly codified. This is why it is recommended that you find out about the habits and customs of the Japanese before leaving. We give you some tips and advice to get started.

If you do not speak Japanese, keep in mind that the use of English in Japan is often imprecise and can lead to misunderstandings. On top of this, a Japanese person will never admit publicly that he or she has not understood the meaning of a sentence or word. Be able to read between the lines, be diplomatic and avoid embarrassing the other person by pointing out his or her mistake. Another obstacle in professional relations, your decision-making contacts will rarely be those who speak English. It is therefore very possible that only one person will be able to translate your comments, making the transmission of information more complex.

Communication is an art in Japan. And the rules governing it are very different from our habits as Westerners. Gestures and non-verbal communication, for example, which are common in the West, may bother a Japanese person. On the other hand, the long silence of a person, which will tend to make us uneasy, is a strategic way for a Japanese person to indicate that he or she has heard and is considering your comments. Similarly, the Japanese “yes”, the “hai” that usually punctuates the conversations, does not signal the agreement of the person you are talking to but rather that they are listening to you. Finally, always remember that the Japanese do not like to say no directly, to avoid causing the other person to lose face. If the person you are talking to systematically changes subject or gives you evasive answers, it is probable that they are trying to signal their refusal.

In their decision-making, the Japanese tend to value the collective rather than the individual. The solution to a problem must emerge from the group and not be the result of a single mind. Another important aspect to take into account - decisions are always guided by caution. The Japanese do not like to take risks and will seek evolutions rather than a revolution. The consequence of this culture of consensus and caution is that the decision-making process can be lengthy and its outcome is very often conservative.

While the Japanese are aware that it can be difficult for a foreigner to assimilate all their habits and customs, some behaviours are to be outlawed while others can play in your favour.  Never be aggressive, arrogant or negative as these emotions are perceived as a lack of self-control and a sign of weakness. Always be humble, prefer precise and concise speech and do not be too direct about your intentions. The key to building a relationship of trust with a Japanese colleague - adapt to their culture to reassure them, without going overboard. You are a foreigner so you are not expected to be more royalist than the king !

Things that may surprise you in Japan

- The streets and transport systems are immaculately clean, while there is no public waste bin in sight. A miracle ? No, it’s just that the Japanese are used to carrying a bag with them, putting their rubbish into it and taking it home.

- In Japan, you will be surprised by the immense politeness and civility that reigns in cities despite the high density. You wait for the green light to cross the street. You respect queues. You don't smoke in the street. You avoid eating while walking around. This is a country where you feel very safe and where you can be sure of finding a lost object where you left it.

- The urban landscape is certainly very different from the one you are used to - the skies lined with high voltage lines, crows instead of our pigeons, colourful signs and the beverage distributors... on each street corner. Perfect for when you need a hot or cold drink.

- Another essential part of urban life in Japan - the konbini, a small local supermarket, which will surprise you with the quality of the food served there. We recommend onigiri (rice balls wrapped in seaweed) ! Another unexpected place to eat - train stations where you will find delicious bento, among other things, to take on your excursions. Finally, if you're lucky enough to attend a festival, you can enjoy takoyaki (octopus dumplings). As you can see, Japanese cuisine doesn't stop at sushi ! 

- In Japan, there is a great distinction between the outside and the inside. So you never wear your shoes in your apartment. In all accommodation, hotels and sometimes certain restaurants, you are invited to take your shoes off before entering and put-on slippers.

- Hot springs (onsen) and hot baths (sento) are part of Japanese traditions and are, as such, highly codified. Usually separated between women and men, you bathe naked there, having previously washed yourself carefully with soap. You can forget about the bathing suit, it's not done! Finally, if you're tattooed, these places are usually closed to you.

- "Kawai" (cute in Japanese) is an institution. Whether it's through manga, anime, cosplays, j-pop or cosmetics but also in everyday products and services, cute is a major marketing argument. In Japan, aestheticization extends to erasers, sponges or even dustbins. You can but admire the care, creativity and attention to detail of the Japanese !

- Leaving a tip in a restaurant, hotel or taxi is considered an affront.

- High-tech, heated, musical and cleansing, Japanese toilets will show you the future.