Effective Presentation to the Japanese

The Japanese education system through primary school to university is based on stiff Confucianism or dictatorship, so this puts the teacher in a position that demands a high level of respect from students. There are a couple of ways for students to demonstrate their respect for the teacher. One is that students are required to listen carefully and silently to the teacher’s explanations during class, with no interruptions. We do not have an interactive education system in Japan; the teacher completely controls how the class is conducted. Naturally, this molds the attitude of Japanese students into one of passive attention. This attitude stays rooted in the mind of Japanese people even after they receive higher education in Japan.

As a result, Japanese people tend to be quiet during American business presentations because they do not want to disturb the presenter with questions and comments, reflecting their immersion in the Japanese education system. ‘Shooting’ questions to teachers during lessons is not encouraged in Japan, because doing so is considered rather rude to the teachers. Often, American presenters take on the teacher-role in the Japanese perception, and thus the Japanese are actually showing their respect to the presenter by assuming a silent demeanor.

Further, Japanese feel awkward and tense if a presenter asks them questions, because in the Japanese education system, students are required to answer any questions from a teacher correctly on the first attempt. If a student can’t answer questions properly, the student feels very embarrassed or ashamed. Many students seek to avoid such these awkward moments. Even if an American presenter asks casually if anyone in the audience has additional information, Japanese participants may not respond quickly to such a question, because they want to see how the other audience members react. They don’t want to be first to answer and feel conspicuous and pressured. Most Japanese want to create a harmonious atmosphere for presentations, while American presenters expect active and spontaneous responses from Japanese participants.

Therefore, American business people should be advised to not be surprised or shocked by the silent demeanor of Japanese participants at a presentation. Japanese listen carefully and silently according to the Japanese habit of respect. If you want to know whether Japanese are satisfied with the presentation, try finding out after the presentation is over in an amicable atmosphere. Take the initiative and ask for feedback or thoughts, because they are less likely to approach you with these things. Because the presenter is similar to the teacher in the Japanese mind, even constructive criticism or questioning could be seen as a lack of respect in Japan.