“Japan is an example of a country in which the code of social conduct became so formal...and important, that proper behavior became the paramount law of the land.”

Etiquette Guide to Japan, Boye Lafayette De Mente

 

   

 

Business Meetings

 

• Appointments are a must and should be made several weeks in advance via telephone

 

• Meetings are usually held in bars or Host Clubs - women should not attend meetings at host clubs

 

• Arrive at least 10 minutes early - allow more time if meeting with Senior executives

 

• Always come prepared to meet with a group even if you are scheduled to meet one-on-one

 

• Prepare an Agenda and stick to it - Japanese business runs on a tight schedule and meetings will not be extended

 

• Wait to be seated until after your hosts - senior management sits farthest from the door and then descends in order of authority

 

• No request should be refused no matter how difficult or time-consuming - the Japanese are looking for long term business relationships

 

• Always include a packet of information for your host - include in this client testimonials

 

• Take many notes while in a meeting - This is seen as a sign of respect

 

• Contracts are not seen as final - always send copies of these a week prior to the meeting

 

• It is appropriate to give a small gift at the end of a meeting - alcohol, top-choice beef, or items from high-end department stores (Saks, Neiman Marcus)

 

 

 

 

Proper Business Attire
MEN	WOMEN
Do's:   Dark colored suits, white collared shirts and subtle ties during the Fall and Winter months Gray colored suits are welcomed in the Spring and Summer Shoes that are easy to remove - slip-ons preferred     Don'ts:   Black suit, white collared shirt, and black tie - this represents funeral attire	Do's:   Conservative dress suits Hair pulled back out of face Low heeled shoes Minimal jewelry   Don'ts:   Pants - Japanese men find this offensive High heels - create the illusion of towering over men

 

 

 

Negotiations

 

• Greetings are usually with a bow - you should bow just as low as the one received

 

• Handshakes are not uncommon - they are limp and short unlike the American handshake that is firm and prolonged

 

• Always introduce yourself by last name - never first name only, Japanese prefer to use last names in negotiations

 

• The Japanese are non-confrontational

 

• They have trouble saying "no" - form questions so that your host may answer "yes" example: "do you disagree with this?"

 

• Silence is not considered awkward as in many American businesses - it is proper to give your host a few minutes of silence to mull over contracts and agreements

 

• Some Japanese may close their eyes in order to listen more intently - this should not be seen as an insult

 

 

Personal Habits

 

• Do not blow your nose in public even in a meeting - this is considered rude

 

• Use caution with facial expressions - they can have double meanings

 

• Do not touch someone in public, especially of the opposite sex - The Japanese frown on public displays of affection

 

• Do not pat your host on the back

 

• Be sure use minimal hand gestures - the Japanese do not talk with their hands and find it distracting

 

 

The Business Cards

 

• Known as the "meishi" - THE most important part of any business meeting in Japan

 

• Business can not begin until after all business cards have been handed out

 

• Print the card in both Japanese and English - do this even if your native language is not English

 

• Always present the cards with the Japanese language side up

 

• Present the card with both hands to each person in the meeting - start first with the most senior manager and work your way down

 

• Accept a business card with both hands while saying "Thank You"

 

• NEVER write notes on a Japanese business card - carry a small notebook for this

 

• Keep business cards out until the end of the meeting - after, carefully pick-up each card and put it in a carrying case

 

• Forgetting to pick-up someone's business card is a huge insult

 

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Sources:

 

http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/japan.htm

 

http://www.venturejapan.com/japanese-business-etiquette.htm

 

http://www.culturalsavvy.com/jp_etiquette.htm

 

http://www.communicaid.com/cross-cultural-training/culture-for-business-and-management/doing-business-in/Japanese-business-and-social-culture.php

 

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/japan-country-profiles.html