Tag: Letters From Abroad Blog

Doing business in Japan has often presented cultural difficulties for westerners. However, as our expat entrepreneur living in Tokyo Jon Sparks reveals in this new series, Japan might be in the shadow of the emerging markets of China and India, but is still one of the best places in Asia for entrepreneurs to operate.

The Chinese are buzzing about next year’s World Expo in Shanghai. But Aussie expat Andrew Collins thinks the locals are underwhelmed. Nevertheless, commercial opportunities abound for local and foreign businesses.

The Chinese word for "crisis" is often erroneously thought to be composed of two characters: one representing danger and the other representing opportunity. Etymological nuance aside, how you see the 'glass' will ultimately determine how you perform through a crisis. The Chinese are very good at planning for such an event. After all, it's all in Sun Tzu's 'Art of War'.

The term "losing face" is big in China. Mistakes are a blight on someone's reputation and must be hidden and protected at all times. Truth and foresight can be impaired if "face" is involved. It supersedes all other qualities and motives.

The term "losing face" is big in China. Mistakes are a blight on someone's reputation and must be hidden and protected at all times. Truth and foresight can be impaired if "face" is involved. It supersedes all other qualities and motives.

Shanghai. You would think that in China - with its growing power base, its population of more than 1.4bn people and its status as a...

Shanghai. You would think that in China - with its growing power base, its population of more than 1.4bn people and its status as a...