#Japan #Shibuya #Chinese Language #International Trading #Watanabe Chinese Class

Research Highlights Communication Skills for Japanese Workers in China

In a recent study conducted by Kokusai Trading Co., Ltd., also known as Watanabe Chinese Class, it was noted that over 55% of Japanese employees who learned Chinese prior to their business assignments in China achieved effective communication within three months. This study sheds light on the language capabilities and challenges faced by Japanese business professionals stationed or traveling in China.

Background of the Study

As globalization increases, particularly in light of the ongoing US-China trade tensions, many Japanese companies are focusing on international expansion. According to a report by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, as of 2023, 31,060 Japanese companies have established a presence in China, significantly outnumbering those in the USA and Thailand. For many business professionals, especially those who have not worked abroad, adapting to a new environment and language poses significant challenges. Communication barriers can impede business operations and create anxiety, making it crucial for overseas employees to acquire language skills that serve not only their personal growth but also the success of their companies.

Survey Summary

The survey, which was conducted over a three-day period in January 2025, sampled 330 individuals who had experience in assignments or business trips to China. Here are some key findings:

• - 44.2% of respondents had business trips lasting less than one week, while 15% claimed they had spent over a year in China.
• - The top skills deemed necessary for maximizing success in China were communication skills (59.7%) and language skills (50.6%), emphasizing the distinct yet complementary roles these skills play.
• - About 35% of respondents indicated they had studied Chinese before their stint in China.
• - Among those who studied, 55% could communicate effectively within three months of their arrival.
• - Conversely, more than 60% of those who did not study Chinese expressed they could not communicate even after their assignments.
• - The primary reason for not studying beforehand was a perceived lack of necessity, cited by 41.6% of respondents.

Detailed Findings

Duration of Business Assignments

When asked about the duration of their previous assignments in China, 44.2% reported trips lasting under one week, while 22.7% spent between one week and a month. Only a small portion, 11.8%, had experiences spanning one month to six months, and 15% reported extensive stays of over a year.

Skills Required for Success

Respondents identified communication skills as the most crucial factor, as it enables the seamless navigation of various business situations. Curiously, while language skills were ranked second, many respondents recognized that they are vital in enhancing communication effectiveness.

Impact of Chinese Language Learning

Interestingly, only 34.2% had undertaken any form of Chinese language training. This result suggests that many travelers opt for short-term assignments or believe they can manage without prior language skills. However, for those who did invest in language education, more than half achieved communication milestones within a short time.

Communication Challenges

Among those who refrained from studying Chinese, 61.2% admitted they still faced substantial barriers to effective communication. Most struggles were reported during work hours (59.8%), highlighting the importance of language proficiency in business settings over personal interactions.

Conclusion

The study from Kokusai Trading dismantles the myth that language barriers are an insurmountable challenge for Japanese workers in China. While many face difficulties due to inadequate preparation, those who proactively learn compete better in a challenging economic landscape. As globalization persists, equipping professionals with necessary language skills will be key to their success in foreign markets.

Future Considerations

Going forward, Japanese companies must prioritize language training as a part of their employee development strategies whenever international assignments are on the horizon. The insights derived from this study serve as a compelling call to action for enhancing business communication effectiveness through language education.

To find out more about language courses offered by Watanabe Chinese Class, visit their official website.