RECOMMENDED APPROACHES FOR WORKING WITH JAPANESE NEGOTIATORS
During direct negotiations by non-Japanese with Japanese counterparts, Hodgson,
Sano, and Graham (2000) recommend the following approaches:
• Ask lots of questions as a persuasive tactic to elicit more information, clarify the counterpart’s thinking, and indirectly, and in a nonthreatening
manner, uncover weaknesses in their arguments. Negotiators can also
claim not to understand what the other has said or their views on issues or
proposals as a way to gain more data or understanding of the logic behind
an option.
• Be explicit and self-disclosing, but not overbearing, in presenting your
views, needs, and interests.
• Use as many positive influence tactics as possible, including making credible
promises, identifying solutions that will result in positive benefits,
appealing to commonly accepted or reasonable standards or norms, and
providing incentives and rewards for cooperation.
• Remain silent to allow space for Japanese counterparts to consider their
views and develop more positive responses.
• Change the subject to other issues if an impasse occurs, returning to the
contested issue later.
• Take breaks to allow time for reconsideration of options or proposals in
private.
• Change offers or concessions or make firm commitments that make offers
or proposals more believable.