Quote:
Originally Posted by Sangetsu
Japan's economy is in "sunset" mode. Foreign markets which once belonged to Japan are being taken over by China and other Asian countries. As a result, there will be less and less demand for business people who are familiar with Japan and the Japanese. Westerner companies are now more interested in Chinese language skills, and, to a lesser extent, Chinese culture.
You could find some use for Japanese and knowledge of Japanese culture, but it would probably be better suited for tourism or writing. Japan will continue to draw tourists because of it's scenic beauty and historical landmarks.
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People have been talking about Japan in sunset mode since the early 1990s. China has passed Japan in terms of economy size (a county with 10 times the population) and its population is the foundation for its economical boon in recent years, but looking at the structure of Japan's economy, and the structure of China's economy, which looks more stable? How long are Chinese citizens going to be satisfied being paid pennies on the dollar?
In Japan a handshake is still a handshake, a signed contract is still a signed contract and a promise is still a promise. Can you say the same thing about China? I can tell you story after story of American (and Japanese) businessmen who went to China to get on the gravy train, and come back with high hopes and baloney promises, only to find out they have been bamboozled.
Japanese businessmen, like Western businessmen, look for long-term relationships, trust, and mutually beneficial deals.
From what I understand, to many Chinese businessmen, the foreign businessperson might as well be a dog with diamond studded collar. All they want to do is get that collar off that dog.
If I am wrong, and I hope I am, then what you are saying is right. However if what I am hearing from the front lines is correct, then China is a bully that is frustrating potential clients as well as its own workers. That can't go on forever.