USA, China, Taiwan (China), Korea (Rep) and Germany.

After suffering massive destruction during WW2, Japan was the economic phenomenon of the late 20th century. The structure of the Japanese domestic economy revolves around a group of large multi-product corporations (many of which are global household names), linked in loose alliances with banks and finance houses. Agriculture now accounts for less than 2% of the GDP.

The model worked superbly until the early 1990s, when competition from abroad and excessive lending by the banks began to exert pressure. The extent of the problem became apparent with the 1991 property crash and, more spectacularly, the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

In the following years the economy stagnated, remaining at 0% inflation for a few years. Unemployment, a comparative novelty in a country where jobs were typically guaranteed for life, reached 5.4%.

From 2003 to 2007, the Japanese economy enjoyed its strongest recovery since WW2. However, the global economic crisis of late 2008 hit Japan hard. Unemployment crept up towards 5%, and Japan lost its status as the second largest economy in the world to China.

The triple disasters which hit north-east Japan on March 11, 2011 have had a major impact on the economy. Energy issues, disruptions to manufacturing, low interest rates and the continuing strong yen are major challenges affecting economic growth and stability. The area of northeastern Japan most affected by the disasters was a major agricultural and manufacturing centre. Some companies have relocated whilst others have been forced to close. Despite this situation, Japan currently remains the third largest economy in the world.

Manners are very important for business negotiations in Japan. While you’ll be forgiven for not getting everything right, you’ll be expected to wear a smart suit, exchange business cards using both hands with everyone you meet, and to be polite and punctual.

A large supply of business cards printed in English and Japanese is essential. Cards can be quickly printed on arrival with katakana Japanese translation on the reverse side. Appointments should be made in advance and, because of the formality, visits should consist of more than a few days. Business discussions are often preceded by tea and general small talk, and are usually very formal.

It is usual to refer to colleagues by their surnames, and hierarchies should be respected. Business negotiations may require patience as directness is mistrusted and disliked, thus straight ‘yes' or ‘no' answers are generally avoided. However, this depends on the region where you are doing business – in Osaka, for example, being more direct is less problematic. Impatience is frowned upon, and confrontation is out of the question, as it is considered a sign of gross weakness. Apologies and thanks are very important and should not be rushed.

Corporate entertaining usually takes place in restaurants and izakaya (drinking halls similar to pubs). Drinking (beer, whisky and sake) is very much part of the culture, as is smoking, although partners tend to be left at home. Gifts, especially those from your home country, are very important (they need not be particularly large or lavish) and are exchanged with great ceremony.

You’ll often need to remove your shoes indoors: look out for lines of shoes or slippers for clues. Avoid putting your foot on the ground while changing from your shoes to any slippers provided. Make sure that you are wearing clean socks.

Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some offices are open Sat 0900-1200.