Communicating Effectively with Japanese

A focused, high-impact 2.5-hour seminar for U.S. professionals

Working with Japanese colleagues, customers, suppliers, or partners can be unexpectedly challenging—even for experienced global professionals. Many misunderstandings stem from the interaction of three powerful factors that compound one another.

In this highly focused 2.5-hour session, we address what we call the “triple whammy” of Japanese communication:

• Indirect communication
• Ambiguous and context-dependent messaging
• English as a non-native language

Together, these forces can make even routine interactions feel unclear, slow, or frustrating—and can easily lead to missed signals, incorrect assumptions, and strained relationships.

This in-depth seminar offers practical strategies for strengthening working relationships and achieving better resultswith Japanese colleagues, subordinates, customers, and supervisors. Participants will gain a clear understanding of whyJapanese individuals and organizations communicate the way they do, as well as concrete techniques for adapting their own communication to avoid common pitfalls and increase clarity without damaging trust.

Filled with case studies, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises, the session is designed to be highly interactive. In addition to learning from the instructor, participants will have opportunities to share experiences, compare approaches, and learn from a diverse group of peers facing similar challenges.

By the end of the seminar, participants will be better equipped to:

• Interpret indirect or ambiguous messages more accurately
• Communicate clearly and respectfully across language and cultural gaps
• Reduce misunderstandings while preserving relationships
• Increase confidence and effectiveness in day-to-day interactions with Japanese counterparts

If you work regularly with Japanese stakeholders and want a practical, time-efficient way to deepen your understanding of Japanese communication style, this seminar is designed for you.

Instructor: Mary Alice O’Brien-Mecke

Note: Direct competitors of JIC and their employees are not allowed to enroll in this seminar.