Top Ten Do's & Don'ts Japanese Cultural & Business Etiquette

Top Ten Dos & Donts
of
Japanese Cultural & Business Etiquette
2010 Bridges to Japan. All rights reserved.
DOS
Be on time!
THE Golden Rule. Simply dont be late. This is considered blatantly disrespectful in Japan.
Being excessively early is inappropriate, too. Aim to arrive 5-10 minutes before scheduled meeting time.
Pay careful attention to hierarchy.

With its feudal roots still firmly embedded, hierarchy plays a crucial role in both social and business relations
in Japan. Bottom line: Pay due respect to seniors members of any group and pay attention to related protocol.
Treat business cards (meishi) with care and always be sure to have enough.
Business cards are considered the face of a person in Japan and are a key business currency. Treat them
delicately when received, avoid marking them up or losing them, and carry more than you think youll need.
Express gratitude and apologize (when sincere) frequently.

Thank yous and apologies go a long way in Japan. Think of an apology as saying you feel sorry about a
circumstance or inconvenience, not that you are necessarily responsible for it. Apologies trump excuses.
Learn about gift-giving (omiyage) rituals.

Gift-giving is another long-standing and highly ritualized custom in Japan. Definitely take the time
to research what kinds of gifts and presentation of gifts are appropriate for your business partners.
Try to do or say something Japanese; the effort goes a long way.

It doesnt matter if you get it exactly right or become fluent, but make an effort to learn a few cultural norms and
a handful of words in Japanese. The effort will win you huge points and go a long way in relationship-building.
Remember that the group is more important than the individual.

Japan remains predominantly a group-based society where harmony, consensus and teamwork are prioritized
over individual needs or recognition. Avoid singling someone out for attention, including yourself.
Summarize key points in writing and use visual supplements.

Generally speaking, because of the way they learn English, Japanese tend to have a stronger command
of written English than spoken. Whenever possible, put key points in writing and use visual supplements.
Be well-groomed and on the formal, conservative side with appearance.

With some exceptions, professional appearance in Japan tends to be conservative/ formal. Dark and
solid-colored suits, minimal accessories, clean shoes, a nice bag, and well-groomed hair are recommended.
Remember that relationships and trust are of paramount importance.

While these are virtues in many cultures, they are of utmost importance in Japanese business relations,
arguably more so than efficiency, contracts, pricing, etc. It pays hugely to invest in relationship-building.
DONTS
Dont directly challenge a senior person, especially in front of others.
The importance of hierarchy in Japan cannot be understated. It is critical not to
make a more senior member of any group look bad or lose face in front of others.
Dont outwardly express negative (angry, frustrated, etc.) emotions.

Japanese consider open expression of emotions, especially negative ones, to be immature and
indicative of lack of self-control. Even if you are upset, its best to put on your best poker face and speak calmly.
Dont refer to a Japanese person by first name unless instructed to do so.

Use last name + san (but never use san for yourself!)
Use of Japanese first names is typically only for very familiar relations. Last name + san demonstrates respect.
Dont decline an invitation to socialize.

Socializing after working hours is a critical part of relationship building in Japan and often where a lot of
bridges are built. If interested in furthering business relations, accept any such invitation whenever possible.
Dont self-aggrandize; modesty is a virtue.

Modesty is a virtue in Japan, even to the point of self-deprecation. Tooting
ones own horn is frowned upon, as is praising ones own colleagues, family, etc.
Dont pour your own drink.

It is customary in Japan for people to pour drinks for other people, usually with more junior people
serving more senior people. Its important to pay attention and fill someones glass before it gets empty.
Dont wear flashy accessories, bright clothes or excessive perfume/cologne.

Perfumes and colognes are used much more sparingly in Japan. Accessories and clothes that
are bright, busily patterned or flashy are not a professional norm in Japan either. Err on the side of subtle.
Dont engage in direct confrontation or aggressive tactics.

Japanese place great value on harmonious and non-confrontational behavior and
communication. A softer and more diplomatic approach is almost always best with the Japanese.
Dont pass food with chopsticks or stick chopsticks in your rice.

These are both actions reserved for Buddhist ceremonies associated with death.
Dont make excuses.

When falling short of expectations, the best approach is simply to apologize
for any inconvenience and express that you will work to resolve the problem.

Top Ten Do's & Don'ts Japanese Cultural & Business Etiquette

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Top Ten Do's & Don'ts Japanese Cultural & Business Etiquette

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Top Ten Dos & Donts

Japanese Cultural & Business Etiquette

2010 Bridges to Japan. All rights reserved.

Pay careful attention to hierarchy.

Express gratitude and apologize (when sincere) frequently.

Learn about gift-giving (omiyage) rituals.

Try to do or say something Japanese; the effort goes a long way.

Remember that the group is more important than the individual.

Summarize key points in writing and use visual supplements.

Be well-groomed and on the formal, conservative side with appearance.

Remember that relationships and trust are of paramount importance.

2010 Bridges to Japan. All rights reserved.

Dont outwardly express negative (angry, frustrated, etc.) emotions.

Dont refer to a Japanese person by first name unless instructed to do so.

Dont decline an invitation to socialize.

Dont self-aggrandize; modesty is a virtue.

Dont pour your own drink.

Dont wear flashy accessories, bright clothes or excessive perfume/cologne.

Dont engage in direct confrontation or aggressive tactics.

Dont pass food with chopsticks or stick chopsticks in your rice.

Dont make excuses.

2010 Bridges to Japan. All rights reserved.

You might also like