But how to build and expand your network in Japan?
Physical Places
Even though social media is convenient, it is not easy to expand your network well without actually meeting people.
Not only in Japan, but everywhere else: if you overlook the importance of physical contact, your number of connections will not increase very fast, or not increase at all. But Japan has some specificities concerning the places you should go to meet professionals.
The word nomikai means ‘gathering to drink’ and is a big part of the Japanese (business) culture. It is an opportunity to meet your teammates in a more relaxed atmosphere, usually after work. People enjoy a moment with their boss and colleagues – except if they felt forced to participate, which is unfortunately common.
However, it is a good way for you to network. You can build relationships with other professionals, and once you have people’s trust, they will be or their acquaintances.
It is both a short and long-term method to develop your network. To learn more about nomikai, read our article about the pros and cons when setting up a branch in Japan.
This can be, clubs, etc.
Another good opportunity to meet new people is to join one or several associations. It can be a neighborhood or a community association, an association to help disabled people, one that fosters gender equality, etc. Think about what kind of organization professionals enjoy and who you want to meet.
It is the same for clubs, which are mainstream in Japan. Some people join expensive clubs to meet businessmen of high status, but this is just one of the ways. By choosing a club you like, you can create bonds faster by sharing a common interest. You may find someone who has many connections and is willing to help you.
By making many friends not just to expand your network, they might introduce you to their superiors. You can also join a networking club: even if it seems awkward at the beginning, everyone wants the same thing and you will meet a wide range of professionals.
Join as many events related to your business as you can. You might see the same people, but this will strengthen your relationships with them. In Japan, you can participate in several types of events:
- Chamber of commerce events (with around 2,700 members, not only Japanese)
- Embassy-related events
- Job-search events
- Company events (if they are hiring, for example)
- Seminars, forums, private events, symposiums, etc.
Remember to have enough business cards so that people will remember you and add you later on social media. You can read about the traditional exchange of cards to avoid any missteps.
Meet as many people as you can! This includes potential business partners and customers, influential professors, salesmen, etc. These people know what the market looks like and the needs of people. Also, they can give you the names of the best salespeople, business people, support people, etc. They will have a strong knowledge of the Japanese business culture. Since relationships are important in Japan, once someone trusts you, you can trust them back.
Social Media
Nowadays, you cannot start a business without having a couple of social media channels. Check out our article about the most popular social media in Japan and work on your communication.
In addition to that, you can create a Wantedly account. This is the Japanese equivalent of LinkedIn. While many don’t like it, the rating system creates competition among users.
However, since physical contact is important, phone calls are preferred over emails or messages. It is also more polite in Japan.
