Japanese people value relationships with coworkers and clients, more than the skills and abilities they have to perform tasks. It goes without saying that building trust between your supervisor/coworker and having a good relationship with them is extremely important and a high priority.
Hou-Ren-Sou
Managers in Japan like to be kept in the loop of what's happening in their team, and most likely, they will demand detailed updates on the status of work, especially if you are new to the company. The first thing new graduates are taught in a company is the concept of “Hou-Ren-Sou”. Hou is short for Houkoku (to report), ren is renraku (to inform), and sou is soudan (to consult). The word hourensou actually means "spinach", so you can remember this as "Spinach Reporting".
Houkoku (to report)
To keep supervisors up to date about the status of tasks given to you. Even if you are not done with the task, the current status and the time needed for completion must be communicated to the supervisor. You can never report too much, even the smallest update will be appreciated.
Renraku (to inform)
To communicate and inform those involved properly. This refers to contacting coworkers that you will be late for a meeting or to inform the case of customer complaints to a supervisor. If you have relied on email and did not make a follow-up call to your client on an urgent matter, this will be a failure to inform.
Soudan (to consult)
If you are new or lower in position, there is not a lot of opportunities to make decisions by yourself. Always seek advice and approval from a supervisor even if an action or decision seems like a no-brainer. Share all information and be as transparent as possible.
This practice of “Hou Ren Sou” is the root of building and maintaining trusting relationships. It is followed to strengthen teamwork and to avoid making big mistakes that could be detrimental to their business.
Perfectionist culture
Japanese people see mistakes as a failure. One small mistake can destroy the trust that took years to build with coworkers. This is why one report is seen by multiple people until approved and the idea is run by several individuals until agreed to move forward. The supervisor will expect to be handed a perfect report without any mistakes, on a first draft. Even so, the report will be double and triple checked.
Performing high-quality tasks perfectly is important in order to maintain trust and reputation. As this mindset leaves no room for mistakes, there is always immense pressure on executing even small, seemingly unimportant tasks.
Business nomikai (drinking gathering)
It is not an exaggeration when people say real business happens after work at nomikai (drinking party). Nomikai is when an indirect and quiet communicator becomes verbal with the help of alcohol. It is when Japanese people reveal their true and honest selves and bond over meaningful conversations.
Drinking alcohol is a big part of relationship-building in Japan. As nomikai culture starts in university, (students start planning nomikai with their extracurricular club friends) it is not a surprise for them when nomikai takes place multiple times a week as a new graduate. Building good relationships with coworkers is part of their job, thus the majority see nomikai more as an obligation rather than a party. Be careful though not to bring nomikai energy back into the workplace the next day. People tend to resume their roles and respectful language once they are back in the office.