The following are suggested answers; others may be also acceptable.

1.

Despite the increase in their salaries, 60 per cent of Japanese workers still spend Saturday at work.

EVEN THOUGH their salaries have increased, 60 per cent of Japanese workers still spend Saturday at work.

2.

Even though the fact that gift giving is a common practice in Japan, the gifts should never be opened in front of the giver.

ALTHOUGH gift giving is a common practice in Japan, the gifts should never be opened in front of the giver.

3.

Despite foreign speakers are advised to show respect for their Japanese audience, many of them begin their speeches with a joke.

DESPITE THE FACT THAT foreign speakers are advised to show respect for their Japanese audience, many of them begin their speeches with a joke.

4.

Many Japanese business executives say that they believe strongly in free trade, though Japan's continuing preference for buying at home.

DESPITE Japan's continuing preference for buying at home, many Japanese business executives say that they believe strongly in free trade.

5.

Although some Japanese women are successful in business, the majority of Japanese companies are run by men.

IN SPITE OF the success of some Japanese women in business, the majority of Japanese companies are run by men.