Etiquette for Gift Giving in Japan

Japan continues to rise in the art of maintaining remarkable goodwill with its business partners. More than ever before, the Land of the Rising Sun offers corporate gifts as a way of giving high regard to both customers and employees.

Gifts do not have to be of high value, although if they are, this will not be considered a bribe or insult. For senior Japanese executives however, the gifts should be higher quality with increasing rank. This etiquette is important to observe and failure to do so will cause offense.

Gifts should be wrapped, but the paper should not be too bright, nor white. Be especially wary of white because it symbolizes death. Also never give things in sets of four, because the Japanese word for four, "shi", closely resembles the word for death. Unfortunately, this rules out golf balls. The Japanese can be very superstitious about this.

Both hands must always be used to present a gift, or even a business card.

You cannot simply turn up with a gift unexpectedly, except on occasions where it will be obvious you are giving something, such as a first meeting. Instead, you should let drop some kind of subtle hint that you would like to present a small token of respect or memento in the near future.

When the gift is for a group, make sure that all are assembled before making the presentation and bear in mind that it is considered extremely rude to present a gift to only one recipient. It must either be presented to the whole group, or a gift given to each individual member.

The gift itself should be downplayed as much as possible. This is usual in all Asian cultures. The friendship should be allowed to come to the forefront rather than the material object which is symbolic of it.

Monetary gifts or ones displaying the company logo are not usually acceptable in Japan.

As for when to present your gift, the end of a visit is the best time. Corporate gifts are usually given during mid-year, i.e. on the 15th of July, and at the end of the year, on January the 1st.

It may not be hard to select a gift for a Japanese client but for multiple gifts always observe a strict ranking of worth as well as company position. Products which are unavailable in Japan are always welcome, as are extremely expensive ones. Pen which is a symbol of knowledge, is one appropriate gifts for Japanese colleagues. It is also easy to pack.

Gift giving in the Pacific rim, on the other hand, is not as formal and ritual-bound as in Japan although the importance of a corporate gift is also considered essential as much as showing slight reluctance in accepting a business gift.

Corporate gifts are a bit more problematic in China, where giving gifts to officials was banned during the communist regime. Gift-giving is enjoying a popular resurgence, but to avoid giving the impression that it is a bribe, the following guidelines should be observed: your gift should not be too expensive, should carry the company logo and preferably be presented to a group rather than to a single executive.

About the Author:

The art of giving personalized corporate gifts is one effective way of highlighting each achievement in your company. Promotional corporate gift such as portrait paintings are perfect for you to reach your business goals.

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Influence of Globalization on Japanese Industry

Globalization influences every state and Japan is not the exception. Despite the fact that Japan is one of the richest countries in the world and is economically successful, still it has unsolved issues concerning working conditions. It is important to note that there are differences in payments, conditions of work at small and large companies in Japan. This model does not coincide with the model in Western developed countries. In Japan companies are oriented at the export market. The Japanese salary amount depends on the company size and region. Part-time workers, usually women, receive a minimum salary.

Earlier, the Japanese economy was aimed at the level of the USA and Europe. In the 1960s there was a period of high increase in economy. The industrial growth assumed nearly 0% unemployment. However, with years the unemployment percent increased. It is obvious that the Japanese economy undergoes structural development which causes a high unemployment pattern. These modifications evoke new working patters and industrial models. At present Japan has a difficult period in economy as there are problems with unemployment and working patterns in Japan. These changes are mainly the result of globalization, global changes that has covered all countries and continents.

Japan companies and even small firms have many methods for being competitive in the conditions of globalization. At the meeting in Tokyo researchers discussed the problem of globalization and they drew a conclusion that there are multiple ways to manage with the issues of globalization. Some companies are relying on outsourcing that is not good. Globalization makes people closer uniting markets, thus, it changes usual production systems and wipes the borders between societies. Earlier, a company organized everything within it, but nowadays every function can be performed by a different person, state or company. For instance, the iPod video player produced by Apple Inc. is designed in the USA, using Japanese elements for manufacturing and it is assembled in China. This ‘multinational product’ is of high quality and is very successful. So, we can see a shift toward multinational design, manufacturing and distribution of a product. Of course, these changes affect people who work at companies and their working conditions.

There is no general table what a company keeps within it and what outsources. There is information that in the industry of personal computers ‘Dell’ does not produce components and has little manufacturing. Thus, Dell is successful. Besides, Samsung uses components for computers produced by the company, and Sony buys almost half of components for computers in Nagano. The only way to be competitive in a globalized world is to produce components or services that are really unique and get the benefit from them. Placing manufacturing in another country is a tendency of today’s world. In this way a company saves much money hiring low-wages workers. Nevertheless, this method is not effective as a company needs to relocate its manufacturing all the time because competitors will go further and further to win. Outsourcing is a dangerous method as it can create competitors.

Japanese companies have had an experience of outsourcing the manufacturing in Korean and other countries that has lead to a creation of competitors. So, some firms prefer built plants in Korea and China – to produce and sell the products in these countries. This is a good strategy that works. However, other ones prefer to keep the manufacturing or, at least, some operations, within the company and the country. This or that way Japanese companies get profits from their business having used to a changing international market. Since 2004, Japanese industry feels the growth. For example, Japanese electronics moved its manufacturing to the country. Indeed, such a tendency of placing manufacturing capabilities within the country stays the major purpose of industry in Japan. Kenwood Corporation became one of the first companies returning its manufacturing line back to Japan. The thing is that the return to Japan caused the cut of worker staff in former manufacturing place - Malaysia and Yamagata. Another issue of a globalization is that in a changeable market conditions a company can raise the cost for components and you cannot flexibly answer to these changes relying on outsourcing and outside manufacturers. Moreover, outsourcing assumes a cutting of working staff, usually experienced that leads to the loss of competitiveness and dependence on outside factors.

For instance, Sony’s plants in Japan are main place of worldwide operations. Sony’s plants in Japan are responsible for about half of its world production amount, while China’s ones are responsible for about 20%. Sony’s strategy is to produce its equipment in China where there is a great market and Sony sells more than 10% of all sales annually. The Japanese plants are oriented on the product and development of new product lines, promotion of manufacturing technology. Another famous Japanese electronics company, Hitachi Ltd., also adjusts to changing global market continuing production of goods in the global environment and restructuring the company. Moreover, Hitachi is creating a new manufacturing system with greater profitability where the key roles play: innovations in working patterns, application of new technologies, use of outsourcing, management of human resources according to world’s standards, changes in employment patterns and working conditions.

Summarizing, there are various companies who use different strategies to achieve success. Analyzing the globalization process at a macroeconomic level, one must point out that some companies – successful ones – will survive, while others will experience the declining process. However, Japanese companies do the necessary changes for achieving good result. These companies will continue growing and this process will have a positive effect on the working patterns. In general, globalization is an inevitable process with its problems and Japanese industry sector must develop in the right way.

About the Author:

The article was produced by the writer of Essay-Paper.net. Olivia Hunt is a 4-years experienced freelance writer and a senior manager of Research Paper Writing Service. Contact her to get college essay and custom essay tips.

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Italy - The Mother of Opera

The story of Italian opera begins around the turn of the 17th Century and depicts an important piece of Italian culture. Divided into two periods, the Baroque and the Romantic, opera displays tragic-comedy that was adorned with beautiful scenes and breathtaking music. Historians across the world recognize the significance these periods have had on Italian culture.

The art of opera is derived from Italy. Baroque was the first period recognized in the Italian culture. Over two centuries, it grew in popularity. In the 1600’s, music enhanced the Romantic period. Henry IV of France and Marie de Medici loved opera music and requested that it be played at their wedding in Florence.

Orpheus and Euridice were both composed from a poem written by Ottavio Rinuccini and Jacobo Peri. Giulio Caccini wrote the music that brought their poem to life, completing the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. This opera was dynamic in musical instruments and successfully portrayed the Italian culture.

In 1607, Claudio Monteverdi wrote La Favolo d’Orfeo (The Fable of Orpheus). This spectacular opera was Claudio Monteverdi’s first, which elevated the importance of dramatic instrumental music in the Italian culture. Now, 400 years later, The Fable of Orpheus is still performed on stages across the world.

In 1613, St. Mark’s in Venice made Monteverdi the “maestro da cappela”. Monterverdi wrote elaborate madrigals during his tenure. In 1637, Venice opened the first public opera house, Teatro San Cassiano. The public’s enthusiasm drew a more chic audience through the opera doors.

Shortly before Monteverdi’s death, he began to write again. From 1637 to 1642, he wrote two beautiful operas, I Ritorno d'Ullise (The Return of Ullyses) in Patria and L'Incoronazione di Poppaea (The Coronation of Poppaea). Both were exceptional musical mixtures of recitatives, solos, duets and ensembles.

Monteverdi was responsible for setting the standards for operatic composers to follow. He was responsible for the introduction of bel canto and buffa styles of opera. Bel canto consisted of operatic singing that was pure and even toned. Buffa style referred to the very unusual and unexpected comic complications or burlesque elements in the scene.

Within forty years, the popularity of opera grew so rapidly that Venice opened ten opera houses to accommodate the demand. More than 350 operas had been performed near the end of the 18th century in Venice, as well as many by other Venetian composers in other areas of Italy. Numerous spectators traveled into Venice for the music and individual artists gained recognition through their performance in opera.

Gioacchino Rossini wrote serious and humorous operas. In 1810, La Cambiale di Matrimonio, a comic (buffa) opera, became Rossini’s first hit. In early 19th century, romantic opera gave more dimension to the extreme emotions which were typical of that era.

Vincenzo Bellini, Gaetano Donizetti, and Giuseppe Verdi were Rossini’s successors in the Italian bel canto. During the course of Giuseppe Verdi’s career, he transformed the nature of operatic writing with vigorous music. His contribution to the opera was done with such enthusiasm and it created a threshold for a new operatic era.

Many forms of opera blended with fine art, musical drama, song, elaborate scenery, and artistic scenery by the 20th century. It was the medium through which tales and myths were fabricated, leaving the audience to their imagination. Today, opera is the essence of Italian culture.

About The Author

Armando Escaduti is the owner and CEO of ALO Italy which is a great resource for lovers of all thing Italian. If you would like to know more about ALO Italy or read more of Armando's articles, please visit: http://www.aloitaly.com.

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Italy Cruise - Expert Guide

History, wine, serene beauty, dramatic people and stunning views - an Italy cruise has it all! You can visit the main sites of Italy on a European cruise or a Mediterranean cruise, but to really experience Italy - to really taste it - you need to immerse yourself in everything that Italy has to offer by taking an Italy cruise...

Italy cruises depart from several ports around the country. Many depart from Civitavecchia - the gateway port to Rome. However, to get the full Italy experience it is recommended that an Italy cruise be embarked upon from the ports of Savona or Genoa on the Ligurian Peninsula and taken all the way round to Venice, or vice-versa. This way, you'll discover that there's a lot more to Italy than a cruise departing from Civitavecchia would be able to show you!

So, what delights await in this classical land? The Ligurian Peninsula is a true paradise. Largely undiscovered by mass tourism, quaint Italian villages line the coastline in this spectacular part of Italy. Beautiful sandy beaches alternate with rocky headlands, and magnificent coastal villages shine like beacons on the shore...

In Genoa you can discover the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and marvel at the city's stunning Gothic architecture. A little further to the south Livorno is a port of call worth spending a little time at. Here, you will be able to arrange shore excursions to see the famous leaning tower of Pisa, as well as visit the grand Renaissance city of Florence - home to Dante, Michaelangelo and the Medicis...

The Colosseum at Rome, Mount Vesuvius and the ancient city that it buried - Pompeii - are essential attractions to visit when on an Italy cruise, as is Rimini on the Adriatic Sea. From Rimini you can take a shore excursion to visit the enclave of San Marino, which is less than an hour's drive from Rimini port...

Finally, irresistible Venice awaits as the final stop at the end of your cruise. Venice is a true waterworld, consisting of more than 120 islands through which a network of waterways can be explored by gondola. Renaissance-style architecture is everywhere in this city, and you'll be able to take a shore excursion that takes in the famous Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs...

So, whether you want to discover what it felt like to be a gladiator in Rome's Colosseum, peer into the gigantic crater of Mt Vesuvius or navigate your way around Venice's canal system, an Italy cruise is a special adventure that you'll never forget.

About The Author

John Metcalfe is the author and web publisher of A to Z Cruises your #1 source for cruise information. For more expert guides to cruising visit http://www.azcruises.com/newsletter-articles/.

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Weekend Port Breaks to Normandy

It is so easy to pop on a boat, either as a foot passenger or with your car, and prices for short breaks are still very reasonable. Brittany Ferries sails into Cherbourg as well as Caen each day and LD Lines have daily sailings to Le Havre. Add in Condor Ferries who also sail to Cherbourg and there is quite a choice. The port towns are also interesting in themselves and too often we drive straight through them onto our gite or hotel. However, why not consider staying in one of the port towns.

Cherbourg has long been a centre for the French navy as well as a popular destination for yachtsmen who enjoy the challenge of the choppy seas and challenging winds often found off ‘La Manche’. The town was once the centre for transatlantic liners and its heyday saw many celebrities arrive or depart from the Gare Maritime. Now it has been transformed into the Cite de la Mer, an impressive museum dedicated to the world undersea and exhibiting the word’s largest submarine open to the public. The town also has numerous quayside restaurants and hotels as well as several colourful markets. For art lovers, the Thomas Henry Fine Arts Museum boasts a good collection of works by local artists and for visitors on the Second World War trail there is a Museum dedicated to the liberation, although the Invasion beaches are further down the coastline.

La Havre is a commercial port and its 2kms of beach open onto the Seine estuary which is great for bird watching or painting breaks. The town has a modern feel having suffered major destruction during World War II but it was rebuilt to the original plans and has a busy commercial and cultural centre. The Malraux Museum is an ultra modern building on the sea front which has a good collection of Impressionist works together with art from other centuries. Other things of interest include the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Natural History Museum.

Although the ferry docks at the attractive seaside resort and fishing harbour of Ouistreham, there is a shuttle link plus a good bus service to Caen which is within 15 miles. Caen has historical roots dating back to William of Normandy who commissioned the building of Abbaye aux Hommes as well as the Abbaye aux Dames and this is where his wife, Mathilde, has her final resting place. Both building survived the destruction of bombardments in 1944 and although large parts of it were rebuilt it offers a good mix of old and new with various markets held daily. Most visitors head straight for the superb Le Memorial de Caen museum which not only covers all aspect of World War II but also has a good range of restaurants and several memorial gardens dedicated to the Allied troops. Opposite you will find Colline aux Oiseaux Floral Park which was once a rubbish tip but now is a 41 acre site of landscaped gardens dedicated to peace. However it is also worth visiting the Jardin Botanique as well as the city’s Fine Beaux Arts Museum.

About the Author:
The Author Franchesca Denning runs a http://FranceWithUs.net, they have exlusive Normandy holidays and many holiday cottages in Normandy to choose from.

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Derby Tourist Information & Travel Guide

Derby is the 18th largest city in all of England and is located in the East Midlands. The city is primarily known as the starting point of the Industrial Revolution. In Present day it stands as a modern and vibrant place yet at the same time it enraptures a more traditional landscape of the warm countryside in its surrounding areas.

Derby has a variety of shopping facilities available ranging from boutique shopping to busy markets. The main shopping centre is Westfield Derby which took a £340 million development plan to achieve and opened in late 2007. The new shopping centre has four themed malls and flagship stores on two retail levels consisting of Marks & Spencer’s and Debenhams.

Here you can find over 100 top end retail stores that incorporate local and national trends with regards to fashion and lifestyle. Some of these brands include Zara, Topshop, Monsoon, River Island and Bershka. Westfield Derby also has a 12 screen cinema (Showcase Cinema Delux), which became operational in May 2008.

It does not end there, directly neighbouring Showcase Cinema Delux is the entertainment headquarters, providing 800 seats for dining. This is where visitors can enjoy the food of local cuisine alongside international stylish restaurants.

There are many attractions to be seen in Derby, the city’s own heritage is imprinted almost everywhere you turn. The Cathedral of All Saints is worth a visit even though its huge tower can be spotted from a fair distance. It is in fact the smallest Anglican Cathedral nationwide and was first built in the 15th Century in a traditionally gothic styled manner, however was rebuilt in the 17th century and became a cathedral in 1927.

For a more cultural experience of the city you can visit the Derby Museum and Art Gallery which showcases the work of Joseph Wright and holds the largest collection of his artwork in the world. The museum focuses on a diverse range of collections, one of them being The Archaeology Gallery, which looks at the Stone Age to the Middle Ages and Ancient Egyptian history, referring back to the mummification.

Geology and wildlife is also categorically illustrated and take spotlight in the museums current display area. This section makes reference to wildlife often found in Derby and gives the visitor a feel for the time period mentioned providing time tunnels, discovery areas and walk in caves, to make this a more exciting yet educational trip for all.

Derby also has a magnificent arboretum which was classified as the country’s first public park. Recently it is going under drastic redevelopment in a multi million pound restoration programme to save two old lodges and creating safe areas for children to play in. There is also set to be a community building located in the centre of the arboretum, creating general public facilities such as toilets, cafes, offices and much more. For safety reasons two routes will be constructed with lighting.

Many of the trees have to be removed from the arboretum due to inadequate growth or overshadowing however many new species of trees will emerge. The work has already began and will resume for three years as this £5million restoration process is aimed to help increase education on nature reserves as intended.

About the Author:
David Panks - Derby http://www.citylocal.co.uk/cities/Derby http://www.citylocal.co.uk/cities/Derby/business/All/ http://www.citylocal.co.uk/cities/Derby/news/ http://www.citylocal.co.uk/cities/Derby/events/ http://www.citylocal.co.uk/cities/Derby/freeadvert_0.html

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Liverpool Tourist Information & Travel Guide

Liverpool is a city that is based in the North West of England, in the borough of Merseyside and consists of a population of just over 435,000. The city was seen as a major port as Liverpool grew tremendously through urbanisation and growth of land. Forty percent of international, global trade went by Liverpool’s docks in the early part of the nineteenth century, which in effect contributed to the city status Liverpool acclaimed.

Local residents are widely known as ‘Scousers’, a term stemming from the local dish ’scouse’, which is basically a mould of stew. The city’s dialect is also now famously ‘scouse’ and is immediately identified from residing from the north of the country. As Liverpool is mainly a port city, it is highly multicultural and has residents from a diverse rage of cultures, religion and backgrounds. The city has a high level of tourism stemming from popular music legends local to the area such as The Beatles.

The focal attraction in Liverpool is The Albert Dock, which is in fact one of Britain’s leading tourist spot. Here you will find some of the finest modern art in the region and also worth a visit is The Merseyside Maritime Museum and The International Slavery Museum. These museums are the largest, in size in all of Europe of their origin.

At these museums there are commentaries on the life of The Beatles, where visitors can travel and take a tour through their story depicting their impact on the Cultural Revolution in the 1960’s. The museums look at the history behind The Docks at via the Yellow Duckmarine sightseeing tour which is largely water based.

Visitors are also able to indulge in the Big Mersey Adventure where you can board a ferry and enjoy a trip to view destination sights. To accompany this visitors can go too the Spaceport based at the Seacombe terminal for ferry’s looking closely at space themes.

For shopping, the Metquarter is an indoor shopping centre that houses brands including Armani, Diesel, All Saints, Miss Sixty, Kurt Geiger, Tommy Hilfiger and many more top end retailers. The Metquarter opened in February 2006 after £70million worth of development was invested into establishing the shopping centre.

Liverpool has brilliant architecture especially in the form of St Georges Hall which recently went through a huge £23 million restoration programme. It then re opened in Spring 2007 by The Prince of Wales illustrating the magnificent architecture and newly built Heritage Centre where visitors can see the prison cells where prisoners were kept prior to trial. There is also a Learning Suite for school children where they are informed about the historic value to the hall.

For an ever more cultural insight into the city, you can visit The Cathedral Church of Christ which is an absolutely spectacular building and holds a live church that has a large choir of 60 people. It is an extremely vibrant church that follows a Christian Gospel religious practice.

The nightlife in Liverpool is superb as The Cavern Club draws in global fans of The Beatles who undoubtedly assigned its iconic status. They would play live here and in effect have gained international recognition of the place. The building in itself is historically significant as Britain nominated as ‘The Building Britain Is Most Proud Of’.

About the Author:
Iain McGuigan - CityLocal Liverpool http://www.citylocal.co.uk/cities/Liverpool http://www.citylocal.co.uk/cities/Liverpool/business/All/ http://www.citylocal.co.uk/frontend/latestbusinesses.local.php?cityid=271 http://www.citylocal.co.uk/frontend/latestfreebusinesses.php?cityid=271

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