UNIT OPENER: Film clip - Business communication in Japan

This clip is taken from Gung Ho (1986). An American businessman has come to Japan to try to convince a Japanese car company to take over a closed auto factory in his home town in Michigan.

First, watch the video (about 2 minutes long) below:

Video clip not available on YouTube - see the stills on the next page

 

After watching the video, think about the following:

  1. How does the American greet the assembled Japanese executives?

  2. What communication style does he use?

  3. How could one characterize the kind of English he speaks?

  4. What differences are there between the American and the Japanese in terms of non-verbal communication?

  5. What topics does the American bring up that might not be appropriate, given the context?

Now, turn to the next page for comments.