Junichi Horie has specialised skills that enable him to deal with problems relating to cultural differences.

Junich Horie:

- Has a LPAB

- Is a registered migration agent

- Is fluent in both the English and Japanese language

 

Legal Cultural Differences between

Australia and Japan


Advantage Partnership Lawyers prides itself on its cross cultural skill and knowledge of international law.

The law firm specialises in managing and assisting Japanese corporate clients and companies, and maintains a unique and competitive edge. The job of a lawyer is not just to win cases - it's ensuring the client's needs are completely satisfied.

Our staff has the ability to interpret and translate international laws, while understanding and maintaining cultural relevance.

Hofstede's cultural dimensions can help us understand the differences between Japanese and Australian culture. These differences are summarised below:

1. Individualism versus collectivism. Japan scores high on collectivism where Australia is among the most individualistic cultures. For Japanese culture, this means there is a partiality towards the common good. In contrast, Australians expect to choose their own affiliations and pursue their own goals.
2. Large versus small power distance. Power distance refers to the extent to which a society accepts a hierarchical order and how power within an organisation is distributed. Japanese culture accepts a large power distance where in Australia it is relatively low.
3. Strong versus weak uncertainty avoidance. Japanese culture ranks amongst the highest in this category. The Japanese maintain rigid codes of belief and tend to remain longer with their present employer. Conversely, Australians maintain a more relaxed atmosphere in both their professional and personal lives.
4. Masculinity versus femininity. Japan is considered by Hofstede to be the most masculine culture. Masculinity refers to a preference for 'achievement, heroism, assertiveness and material success'. On the other hand, Australia is considered to be more feminine with a preference for relationships, modesty and quality of life.

As illustrated by Hofestede's cultural dimensions the differences between Australian and Japanese culture are significant. These differences have an important impact on the way business is conducted internationally. At Advantage Partnership, our experience with Japanese culture is unsurpassed, providing our clients with the satisfaction they deserve.

Reference: Nobes, C, & Parker, R (2006). Comparative International Accounting (Ninth Edition). Essex: Pearson Education Limited.