The course will explore the history and structure of Japanese religions and culture as well as their impact on communication processes and ethical decision making within and among business. Can Buddhist and Confucian values that shape Japanese culture be reconciled with the notions of success and profit? What is the role of social relationships in business decisions? What values does the stratification of relationships and communication reflect? Students will examine how history, economics, politics, society, and culture fuse to frame a business environment that can extract sizable direct and indirect costs. To increase our understanding of the governing principles as well as practice of Japanese culture and communication processes, the class will explore business settings as well as religious institutions.