Kristina Thomas worked for four years in Tokyo, where she gained rare insights into the Japanese work culture while being part of a Japanese team. Barbara Haschke is a freelance trainer in intercultural communication and languages, with a particular focus on Japan and the Asian region, as well as a lecturer at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Both authors have known Japan since childhood and speak the local language fluently.

The Cultural Game: An Overlooked Gift. During a trip to Japan, you visit the Kanemitsu couple in Osaka. You have carefully chosen and beautifully wrapped your guest gift - finely crafted glasses. You can hardly wait to see the joyfully surprised faces of the Kanemitsus. But what a disappointment! Mrs. Kanemitsu graciously accepts the package but quickly sets it aside. What to do?.