Departments
相合傘
AI-AI-GASA
"the courtship umbrella"
As a courtship ritual, “dating” is a relatively new practice in Japan. Before the modern era, it was considered inappropriate for an unattached young woman to be seen in public with a man who was not her father or brother.
This made courtship difficult of course; but a determined young man could still find an excuse to create “alone time” with the object of his affections. Japan has a lengthy rainy season known as the tsuyu (梅雨), during which an umbrella is a necessary accoutrement when walking outside. A gentleman could ask a lady to share his umbrella, or kasa (傘) for protection from the rain. This of course gave the man a chance to ingratiate himself with the woman—without resorting to overly forward or potentially scandalous behavior.
挨拶まわり
AISATSU MAWARI
making the rounds of courtesy calls
When a Japanese executive or sales manager takes a new post, one of his first tasks is aisatsu mawari. The aisatsu mawari consists of visits to the company’s major clients and commercial partners. After a self-introduction at each company, the manager will try to assess the challenges and future direction of each business relationship.
Aisatsu-mawari is also a standard part of the New Year’s business rituals. Salespersons visit customers to thank them for their business in the previous year, and ask for their continued patronage during the new one.