Is there anybody here who understands the etiquette of Japanese business communications?

Orionaut

Orionaut

Orionaut

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Joined
2 Aug 2012
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Here is the situation.

I have a "Product" that was manufactured by a globally prominent Japanese manufacturer.

The "Product" has been out of production for 18 years or so (Though it has an equivalent model today)

The "Product", (IE My product model) despite being quite old, is nevertheless globally recognised and held in high esteem by all who use it. (Indeed, I would be surprised if the vast majority of said products that were ever manufactured were not still in regular use)

(Sorry if I am seeming to be a bit obscure, I am wanting to maintain some privacy here for various reasons)

This is a product that a really quite large number of people rely on (And this Model in particular) for their very lives, parts support, thankfully, is actually still quite good.

However, some parts are no longer available.

I am wanting some of those parts!

I am wanting to compose a "More in sorrow than anger" letter directed to the CEO of said Japanese corporation over this lack of after sales support.

Of course, there is a ********** chance in Hell that it would even be read let alone that I might get a reply or some sort of beneficial outcome.

But,

#1 If you don't ask, you don't get!
#2 It seems like fun :D (I might get some sort of response and even that would be a result)
#3 I might even get my part! :p

So.....! How would you word it? :D
 
Be polite, be formal. There's a good chance that a lot of the subtlety will be lost in translation anyway.
 
Russinating said:
It's a tamagotchi, right?
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Timeframe is about right.

The boss won't read it, at least not initially. Be polite and offer a value proposition I.E. They'll make money from the sale of said parts and the kudos from supporting such a product (assuming you haven't over egged it)

Failing that, offer up a samurai fight to the death, the prize for you being the CEOs prettiest daughter and control of his empire. They love that ****
 
unless you're getting a Jap to write it for you in their lingo then I'm not sure there is much you can do other than being polite and keeping it brief

you are talking about a product you purchased right? Why not name it here I don't see how anyone can identify you just because you bought say a SNES as a kid etc...
 
Why would you assume this company is holding stock of spare parts for something they stopped making nearly two decades ago?
 
Succint communication, lay out what you want in the first sentence if you can, no waffle at all. Make sure what you write can't be misconstrued (no potential for double meaning, assume they will take what you write literallyll).

Not all Japanese are bad at English communication, but it's best to assume they are (without offensively dumbing down).

Something along the lines of:

"Dear Hitachi-san,

My Magic Wand is broken and I need a new bum twiddler, part number xxxxxxx. Can you supply a new part and at what cost shipped to the UK?

Kind regards,

Orionaut"

Not:

Dear Mr Hitachi,

I regret to write to you to inform you that my otherwise perfectly reliable Magic Wand has unfortunately developed a fault where the bottom twiddler has ceased to function. Do you have in stock any replacement parts? Would it be possible for you to send a replacement?

Many thanks,

Orionaut"

Where the above is almost asking if they have the ability to send replacement parts rather than a direct request for a new part.
 
touch said:
I lol'd
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Why??

Does the idea of a "Device/product" that lasts more than a couple of years horrify you?

Without going into detail. This is not an obscure niche product. It can get upwards (Sometimes well upwards) of £6,000 (UK) $10,000 a pop (Globally) even now.

Manufacturers should maintain a parts supply for products that are so valued by their customers.
 
dowie said:
because the Japanese are very organised and efficient
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Efficient to me would mean that they got all the spare parts into their service network, not that they have some on a shelf somewhere that they've forgotten about.

Unless the OP thinks there's a VIP stash of bits that they qualify for.
 
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