- Treat everyone and everything with respect.
- Hospitality of Japanese people is great, if you know them, it is even better.
- They get to details in all aspects of life: Patience, logical reasoning and not playing superior is key for success in professional dealings.
- Hierarchy must be valued and respected.
- My experience is that honesty is very much appreciated and they will not take advantage of it.
- Discipline: I was surprised to see people stand in a line to get into trains, never seen that in Europe or India (ahh..i know what you must be thinking).
- Punctuality: Is similar to Germany, all are expected to be on time. Plus minus 5 minutes is acceptable. If not, be ready to inform and apologize several times. Must say, Tokyo metro is the most punctual metro I have experienced till date.
- Presentation and service matters: Not only in business but also in private spheres.
- I was impressed how a chef made few sushi for take away in a minute and spent three minutes packing it, so that sushi stays intact even if the packet is tossed around and it looked like a gift. No wonder most of the things are expensive.
- The food imitation looks so real. (See the pic below)
- Life is expensive.
- Space is scarce, at least in Tokyo.
- Earth quakes are part of life there. Do not panic.
- Most of the companies and malls have emergency bunkers to save lives.
- There are mobile apps to warn people about potential quakes.
- They work hard and long: Most of them spend lot of time traveling to work and back home. No surprise that a few of them try get a nap in the trains.
- Felt handicapped at some places as my skills in 6 languages did not help. Translators or some Japanese will be helpful.
- Japan is a place for some amazing food…at least for a foodie like me
- Few of my favorites: Miso Rahmen (noodle soup), Japanese curry (different to Indian curry), Shirako (fish sperm bags) and Okonomiyaki (few call it Japanese pizza, unfair though).
- Tough one: NattÅ (fermented beans) but would encourage all foodies to try for the experience.
I am grateful to all my colleagues and friends for making my visits memorable.