Have you ever been told to respect and value independent behavior? Most Americans accept—in fact, celebrate—

nonconformity. But, in Japan, there is a saying, “The nail that sticks up will be hammered down.” In other words, people in Japan like conformity and try to restrain or avoid people who are unconventional and attract attention. The Japanese try to stay as similar to others as possible and are afraid to attract attention from others. This is one of the major national characteristics of the Japanese people.

Do you think that the different values that American and Japanese cultures give to conformity versus nonconformity will create problems for American business associates in Japan who believe that success in business involves sticking out?