Negotiations can be tricky.

As you know, Westerners understand negotiating as a way of reaching agreements in a very civil way. There may be disagreements during the negotiations, but Westerners understand that the concept of negotiation means that battles will not go to far.

In Western minds, two ( or more ) parties go into negotiations to discuss a matter to end with an agreement.

The Japanese on the other hand, come into negotiations with another concept in mind. They come into the negotiations with a totally different attitude. They present their side with a totally different way than that of the Westerners.

The Japanese view negotiating with Westerners as a fight. A battle to be won at any cost.

Why? Only due to what they see in the media and from what they hear from friends who travel abroad. They think that when Westerners discuss in loud voices and strong words, this is an indication of fight until the other side gives in.

Another point that must be made about the strategy used by the Japanese-is that they will be very cooperative and very well mannered, and good-natured as well. Up until the very last moment when Westerners think that they have reached consensus. Agreement on a matter. The Japanese team throws in twists and turns into the mix.

At this point, a red flag should go up!

Any Westerners going into a negotiation with a team of Japanese businessmen, be forewarned. They go in for the kill.

Another strategy that the Japanese negotiators may use, is good copy bad cop. This comes with a twist as well.

Japanese-Experts.com with our professional Specialist- can help any foreign company, organization, or politician with the Japanese way of negotiation.

When going into any meeting with a Japanese team, understand that due to cultural characteristics of the Japanese-they are very clever at masking their feelings as well as their knowledge and experience. They do this to get what they want. Not to come to an agreement of any kind.

Contact us at Japanese-Experts.com the next time you are up against an important meeting in Japan, that your team must walk away in a win-win situation for both parties.