When German firms try to match Japanese customer service standards

Customer care in Japan reaches levels rarely seen elsewhere. German suppliers working in Japan also need to ensure they meet these exacting standards for a high level of customer care - a business that requires resources but can ultimately be rewarding. Photos: Lars Nicolaysen/dpa

Gazing at the efforts made for shoppers in Japan can be a humbling experience, especially for those from different cultures.

Take the Tokyo cashier who placed a salmon carefully wrapped in cellophane in another plastic bag, then a shopping bag, to ensure it wouldn't leak. She then provided a huge discount on a bottle of wine whose label was scratched.