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Country Details

Japan General Information

Language:Japanese, (English)
Electricity:100V AC 50Hz (Tokyo & East Japan); 100V AC 60Hz (Osaka & West Japan)
International Direct Dialing Code:81
Driving:Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit required
Currency:Yen (JPY)
Business/Social Hints:On meeting and taking leave give a slight bow, but shaking hands is usually practiced with non Japanese. Business cards to have Japanese translation on reverse side. Some business executives speak English. Japanese customs and conventions are very different from those in Europe and North America and specialist travel guides should be read. Visitors should be perceptive to local customs. Laughter may disguise embarrassment. Small gifts from one`s home country are welcome as tokens of appreciation. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 20 years
Public Holidays:2010
1 Jan New Year`s Day, 11 Jan Coming of Age Day, 11 Feb National Foundation Day, 20 Mar Vernal Equinox, 29 Apr Showa Day, 3 May Constitution Memorial Day, 4 May Greenery Day, 5 May Children`s Day, 19 Jul Marine Day, 20 Sep Respect for the Aged Day, 23 Sep Autumnal Equinox, 11 Oct Sports Day, 3 Nov Culture Day, 23 Nov Labour Thanksgiving Day, 23 Dec Birthday of the Emperor.

Note
With the exception of New Year Bank Holidays, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following day is treated as a holiday instead. When there is a single day between two national holidays, it is also taken as a holiday. Between 29 December and 3 January government offices and many shops and offices are closed.
Emergency Services:Police: 110. Fire & Ambulance: 119
Clothing:Lightweights in summer for most areas, light or medium weights for spring and autumn and heavier, warmer clothing for the winter months. Much warmer clothes will be needed in mountains all year round