Japanese culture has deeply influenced modern business practices in Japan. Key concepts like "wa" (harmony), "kao" (face), and "omoiyari" (empathy and loyalty) emphasize avoiding conflict, maintaining relationships, and considering others. Traditional influences like Shintoism, Buddhism, and Zen also stress nature, cyclical change, and contrasting full vs. empty. Doing business successfully in Japan requires understanding these cultural influences and practicing proper etiquette like bowing, not using first names until invited, and avoiding confrontation.