Japanese business etiquette

Business Communications 

• The customary greeting in Japan is to bow. However, some Japanese may greet you with a handshake, albeit a weak one. Don’t mistake this as an indication of character.
• If you are greeted with a bow, return with a bow as low as the one you received. How low you bow determines the status of the relationship between you. When you bow keep your eyes low and your palms flat next to your thighs.
• Never exchange business cards before the bow! This is very important.
• In Japan, business cards are called meishi. The Japanese give and receive meishi with both hands. It should be printed in your language on one side and Japanese on the other. Always present the card with your home country language side up.
• Take special care in handling cards that are given to you. Don’t write on them or put the card in you pocket or wallet, as either of these actions will be viewed as disrespecting the business card. When you receive the card, it is important to examine the card carefully as a show of respect and then make a photocopy of it.
• Business cannot begin until the meishi exchange process is complete.
• In introductions use the person’s last name plus the word san which means Mr. or Ms. The Japanese prefer to use last names. Do not request that they call you by your first name only. If you are uncertain about the pronunciation of a name, ask for assistance.
• The Japanese prefer not to use the word “no”. If you ask a question they may simply respond with a yes but clearly mean no.

Appearance

• Men should wear dark conservative clothing. Business suits are most suitable.
• Never dress casually for a business meeting.
• Wear slip-on shoes, you’ll be expected to remove your shoes regularly.
• Women’s should dress conservatively; little emphasis should be placed on accessories.
• Women should not wear trousers in a business situation. Japanese men tend to be offended by it.
• Women should only wear low-heeled shoes to avoid towering over men.
• A kimono should be wrapped left over right to do otherwise symbolises death.

Gestures

• Avoid using large hand gestures, unusual facial expressions and any dramatic movements. The Japanese do not talk with their hands and to do so could distract your host.
• The "OK" sign; in Japan it means money. Avoid using it
• Don’t point …or blow your nose in public
• Don’t crowd people or stand too close. Because the Japanese live in such a densely populated area, they value their personal space.
• A smile can have double meaning. It can express either joy or displeasure. Use caution with your facial expressions. They can be easily misunderstood.

Behaviour

• Never pour a drink yourself; always allow someone else to do it for you.
• Most business entertaining is done in restaurants or bars after business hours. Often in karaoke or "hostess bars". Business women should not attend "hostess bars."
• Let the host order and pay for your meal. Business may be discussed at dinner during these events.
• Japanese rarely entertain in the home. If you are invited to the home of your Japanese host, consider it a great honour and display a tremendous amount of appreciation.
• Be “fashionably late” if you are invited to a social event, punctuality is not expected.
• If you do take your host out insist upon paying. The Japanese will refuse but insist. They will prefer that you choose a Western-style restaurant when you entertain.
• Key phrases to learn are "itadakimasu" at the beginning of dinner, and "gochisou-sama-deshita" at the end. It is polite use these phrase and it will show you host that you have enjoyed the meal.
• "Sumimasen" (excuse-me) is a very useful term to add to your vocabulary along with the phrase "kekko desu" (I've had enough).
• It is ok to slurp your noodles. Slurping shows that you are enjoying the meal, if you don’t slurp you are giving the impression you aren’t enjoying the meal.
• Do not openly display money. It is rare to see it given from person to person in Japan. If you must pass money use and envelope.
• Tipping is not expected.

Gifts

• Gift giving is very important both business and personal situations
• Style is everything. The gift itself is of little importance, the ceremony surrounding it is what matters.
• Always wrap gifts. And choose the paper carefully, don’t give anything wrapped in white as it symbolizes death. Don’t use bright colours or bows to wrap the gift either. It is better to have the place you bought the gift to warp it to ensure that it is appropriate.
• Give your host some warning during the evening that you intend to give them a present. Don’t surprise your host.
• Give the gift with both hands and accept gifts with both hands.
• Generally, gifts will not be opened while you are there. If your host insist that you open the gift they have given you, do so carefully. They take pride in gift wrapping, show that you appreciate the effort.
• Do not give gifts in odd numbers or the number four, odd numbers are bad luck and four sounds like the word for death in Japanese.
• Gifts should be given at the end of a visit.
• Do not admire anything belonging to your host too closely. The Japanese love to please so you may end up taking it home as a gift.
• Good gift ideas are top choice beef, fruit and alcohol such as brandy, quality whiskey and wine