What Never Ever To Do When Doing Business In Japan
Doing Business In Japan: Tips, Cultural Differences, Etiquette, Americans In Japan. Learn these 10 Success Tips For Business In Japan, and you'll be far ahead from your competitors in Work Etiquette In Tokyo.
Doing Business In Japan: Culture
Business clothing is very formal in Japan. Here are the Major Tips For Business In Japan: A suit or a jacket for men, Skirts and high heels for women. If you want to dress appropriately, the classic colors are a safe option: black, blue, brown and gray (for men and women) are the Best. Shirts for men are usually blue or white. Men should avoid black ties and women should avoid an all-black look, since this is the funeral clothing. Revealing clothes are not common. Women are likely to feel very out of place wearing a cleavage. See More: Tokyo Packing List
Doing Business In Japan: Etiquette
Where to sit. Seating arrangements take a long time. Never sit down until directed to your place. In Tokyo business etiquette Seating arrangement are determined by the status of the members. Contrary to western customs, sitting at the head of the table is not reserved to the highest in rank. This is a relic of the Samurai era, when the nearest to the door could be the first one to be attacked. At the end of the meeting do not stand up until the highest in hierarchy has stood up. See More: Japanese Business Etiquette
A few words in Japanese will be very appreciated by your hosts. It's a Great 'ice-breaker' and an opportunity to share some laughs. How to speak Japanese? Check out this Japanese electronic translator Communicating is more important than grammar, so this Japanese/English electronic dictionary will give you a good start.
Never pour yourself a drink. It is very inappropriate. Drinking is an important part of Japanese culture. It's a way to ease pressure and break the ice. The word for toasting is kampai. See More: Japanese Business Culture
Doing Business In Japan Cultural Differences
Gifts. Japanese business culture puts a lot of emphasis on exchanging presents. Don't forget to bring along gifts for your hosts and some extra gifts for assistants, helpers and subordinates. See Also: Culture of Japan: 10 common mistakes Westerners Do
Business cards are called Meishi and they are a big Part of the Japanese etiquette. Prepare by ordering inexpensive double-sided business cards printed in the Japanese language on one side and the English on the other side. Make sure you take at least 100 for a 3-4 days business trip. Always present your business card holding it with both hands, Japanese-language side facing forward. Always start by giving your business card to the most senior member of the Japanese party. Accept a Japanese business card using both hands, saying 'Thank you' and studying it in detail. Do not write on business cards you receive. Rates and Reviews: Best Tokyo Hotel For A Business Trip See More: Business Hotels Tokyo
Do not put the card immediately in your pocket or wallet. Put it on the table in front of you Take all the Japanese business cards you receive, don't leave any behind at the end of the meeting. See More: 10 Weird Facts About Life in Japanese Culture
A Hostess Bar. Entertainment for Americans Doing Business In Japan includes Karaoke bar and Hostess bars. Lately due to the ongoing recession in Japan, this kind of hospitality has been toned down a bit, but its still very popular.
Never address your colleague by his first name. Always call him by his last name and attach 'San'.
Bowing is nothing less than an art in Japan. Theres always a reason to bow: to express respect, Gratitude, an apology, greetings and more. Don't assume you can learn how to do it right. The etiquette surrounding bowing is very complex. The depth and length of a bow depends on the social status or age of the person you bow to. As a Westerner, you are not expected to bow. A handshake combined with a slight nod of the head in good enough.
No is considered too straight forward to use. Try using "I have to consult, I will check it". Don't worry about giving the wrong impression. The Japanese appreciate group thinking and team work.
Expect lots of questions. The Japanese are very detail orientated. These questions are intended to check your integrity and reliability. Japanese might also ask questions that make you feel uncomfortable, such as your age or how many rooms you have in your house. Questions which are considered 'personal' in your home country are not necessarily impolite in Japan. Remember -when doing business in Japan you are being examined even on your tenth meeting.