Business Culture in Japan and the World

 24 November, 2025

_______________

Today’s session was about business cultures. One of the main topics we discussed was punctuality. In the Netherlands, being on time is very important because it shows respect, especially when meeting someone for the first time or in a business setting, like a job interview or a meeting with a client. I am usually someone who arrives exactly on time or a few minutes early when it comes to school or work. But when it comes to meeting friends… I am almost always the last one to arrive. They are so used to it now that they tell me to meet 10 minutes earlier than the real time, and still I end up arriving last. But that is ok. In my opinion.

I always tell them: 'Better late than never.' — Mamend, 2025

When it comes to company events or business trips in the Netherlands, it is quite normal to do something with the entire team only once or twice a year, because most people are busy with their families and personal life outside of work. Colleagues sometimes go out for dinner or lunch together, but usually in smaller groups rather than as a whole company. Company-wide gatherings are usually held before Christmas and once again somewhere in the second quarter of the year.

We also watched a video about business culture in Japan. There are some similarities with the Netherlands, like formal communication and respect in the workplace. In Japan they even practice a 'smile test,' where employees train their customer-friendly smile, something we definitely don't have in Dutch companies. In the Netherlands, businesses usually start with short-term contracts to test whether an employee is a good fit, while in Japan long-term commitment is more common.

Guys remember, if you show up as last: 'Even the best, can be last' - Mamend, 2025
You're welcome!


Reacties

  1. cary24 november 2025 om 22:14

    "Better late than never" I mean, I guess? 😂

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  2. William24 november 2025 om 22:15

    Nice text zim. If I’m meeting someone and they are 10 mins late I will already be gone ;)

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen

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