Some basic rules

This stuff is mostly taken from this site but filtered to the really important points.

Uchi Soto

Japanese have been raised to think of themselves as part of a group, and their group is always dealing with other groups.
Japanese are extremely sensitive to what others might think of them.


Some comments: Totally true with some important points to add.

First, Japanese act, when working, as a collective group. The group is not imposed on them nor it is something they want to do to feel good.
When working everyone has one little thing to do and the whole group makes the result, every step is taken after a conversation between ALL groups members.

If someone knows Star Trek and the Borg, then believe me, Japanese working groups are EXACTLY like them.

When outside work, the Group is still the natural place to feel good, you give up a big part of your individualism to adhere in a sort of sphere of feelings where everything is shared.
In this dynamic setting being cautious to everyones feelings is the most important thing you MUST always remember. There is no hard me, there is a SOFT me and a HARD we.

to be continued...