Tips on how to do business in Japan

By Deborah O’Connor

 

Working overseas can be interesting and cultural, but mastering the business etiquette in a foreign country can be especially difficult. Though you will never know everything, you will be appreciated for showing respect by making an effort.

 

Dear Ms. O’Connor:

I will be working in Japan for the next few months and realize that I know nothing about their business customs and etiquette. Can you help me?

Jennifer

 

Jennifer brings up a good point. When you are traveling to a foreign country, you should make every effort to learn the customs and etiquette. Here are the basic points in Japan.

 

• Good manners, politeness, sensitivity, and respect are the cornerstones of all business etiquette. However, in Japan, everything is more formal.

 

• Business cards are very important in the Japanese culture. Make every effort to follow protocol and show respect by learning the proper way to deal with them.
  • You should have at least 100 business cards with you.
  • Make sure your cards are in English on one side and Japanese on the other.
  • Treat the business card with respect. Do not play with it or slide it across the table.
  • The business card exchange is especially formal, and very important. Hold the card with two hands, with the Japanese side facing up and at the recipient. Present it to the most senior member first, bowing slightly, and then on down the corporate ladder.
  • Accept Japanese business cards using both hands and say thank you respectfully.
  • Carefully pick up all cards given to you and put them into a case at the end of your meeting.
  • Never write on a Japanese business card. Use a pad to make notes.

 

• Business Attire

• Men wear dark suits, white shirts, and a subdued tie.
• Women should wear trouser suits or long skirt suits, and should have shorter or tied-back hair and subdued makeup. Never wear high-heeled shoes.

 

• Business Meetings

• Punctuality is essential. Arrive 15 minutes early.
• Have a planned agenda.
• Wait to be seated.
• Take lots of notes, it shows interest and respect.
• Be very aware of hierarchy in the company.

 

• Gifts
  • Gifts are very important and show respect.
  • Gifts are usually given at first business meetings.
  • If you are invited to a home, bring candy, flowers, or cakes.

 

• General Information

• Age is revered and rank is important in Japan.
• Most Japanese are educated.
• Space between people is greater in Japan. Do not crowd someone, it is considered rude.
• Watch your gestures. You can greatly offend the Japanese with expansive hand gestures, touching, facial expressions, and pointing.
• Prolonged, direct eye contact is considered rude and makes people nervous.
• Silence is useful. Do not feel like you need to fill every minute with conversation.
• Male-female touching is frowned-upon.
• Personal calls are appreciated over emails and letters if it is a sensitive subject.
• Do not blow your nose in a public place, it is considered rude.
• Do not make derogatory remarks about anyone.
• Smile, be pleasant, ask business questions, and always be respectful.

 

These are some of the basic etiquette issues you will encounter. Make sure you have a reference guide when you travel. Remember, showing respect is of the utmost importance. You are a guest in their country.

 

Please feel free to send questions to Deborah at: www.successfulimage.biz.

She will answer them in her weekly column.

 

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz