JAPAN

LANGUAGE

* Do not assume that all people you deal with in Japan will speak English. Most business people will have studied English at school or university, but many experience difficulty communicating in a language other than Japanese.

BUSINESS ATTIRE

* It is important to always wear a business suit when conducting business in Japan.

INTRODUCTIONS

* First impressions are very important in Japan and a great deal of emphasis is placed upon the way people conduct themselves at an initial meeting.

* Always carry a large supply of business cards. Bilingual business cards are useful, as many contacts will have only a rudimentary knowledge of English.

* Always distribute and receive business cards with both hands, as this is interpreted as a sign of respect.

* When distributing business cards, try not appear like a croupier dealing from a deck of playing cards. Hand each one over individually and devote your attention solely to the person receiving your card.

* When receiving cards, always use both hands and spend a few seconds holding the card in front of you so you can examine it carefully in the presence of the giver. Never place the card immediately into your pocket or wallet, as this would be gravely insulting to the person presenting you with their card. Perform this ritual individually for every card you receive, even if you are introduced to up to 20 people.

* Never write on a person's card in their presence, as this may cause offence.

* Japanese people will bend slightly at the waist when being introduced and it is considered polite to do the same.

* Japanese names list the surname before the given name in Japanese, however many Japanese people will adopt a Western usage and list their surname last when dealing with foreigners. It is important to ascertain which name is a Japanese person*s surname and always refer to them by that name, eg. Miss Tanaka, Mr Hashimoto.

BUSINESS HOURS

* Most companies and government offices are open from 9am to 5pm, five days a week.

* Banks are open five days a week between 9am and 3pm.

* Shops are usually open every day of the week from around 10am, until as late as 8pm. Department stores tend to close slightly earlier at around 7pm.

MONEY

* The official unit of currency in Japan is the yen. US dollars are the most easily exchanged currency in Japan, however most currencies and travellers' cheques are easily exchanged but often only at banks across the country. Credit cards are also widely accepted.

POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

* Japan has a modern, efficient post and telecommunications system and foreigners should encounter no difficulty sending mail or making international phone calls or faxes from Japan.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

* Tokyo*s Narita airport is situated almost 70 kilometres from central Tokyo.

* Three rail services operate between the airport and the downtown area and take between 50 and 80 minutes, depending on whether you take a regular service or the more expensive express trains. There are several limousine busses that go to major hotels and train stations in downtown Tokyo and take about an 70 to 90 minutes depending on destination.

* Do note take a taxi to the city. This is a very expensive way to travel.

* If you have heavy bags, the various bus services are the best option.

GIFTS

* The number four has an association with death in Japan, and the number 9 is associated with hardship, so avoid gifts which contain sets of four or nine objects.

* Gifts of shoes or socks are inappropriate gifts because they are worn on the feet. Never give anyone a second-hand object or something that has passed through another person*s hands, as this is considered insulting to the recipient.

* Scissors or kitchen knives should not be given as gifts because they indicate a desire to sever a relationship.

* When visiting a corporate office for the first time, it is appropriate to provide a corporate gift from your company, or something that all members of the Japanese organisation can enjoy, such as a box of chocolates or a large basket of exotic fruit.

* When selecting wrapper paper, avoid the colours white and green, which are considered unlucky. The best colour is red, which is associated with wealth and prosperity.

GENERAL

* Business is conducted formally in Japan, so it is necessary to respect the internal bureaucracy of the companies you deal with.

* Never expect a junior member of an organisation to make an on-the-spot decision. Hierarchies must be respected and important decisions are usually made by senior executives.

* Never insult or overrule a Japanese person in public, as this will cause them to lose face and may disrupt the negotiating process.

* Networking is very important in Japan and a great deal of emphasis is placed upon establishing a business relationship before entering into a bargain.

* Always provide prior written confirmation of a business meeting and confirm the results of the meeting by fax immediately after the meeting takes place.

* Business in Japan is often conducted over a meal and commonly involves the consumption of copious quantities of alcohol. These occasions should be regarded as an important aspect of the negotiating process and should be attended whenever possible. Karaoke is also a popular form of social recreation in Japan and foreigners are often encouraged to participate.

* Most decision-making is finalised before a meeting, so it is important to build and maintain a network of personal contacts.

* Be prepared for Japanese people to ask questions concerning marital status, income and personal wealth, as these topics are not considered strictly personal between business associates.

* Never address a Japanese business contact, particularly a person senior to you, by their first name. Always refer to or address a person by their surname.

* When entering a Japanese home, always remove your shoes and wear the slippers which will be provided for your use.

* Never eat food on the street or blow your nose in public, as both of these activities are considered rude.

Return to Asia Pulse's Guide to Business Etiquette in Asia

Return to our Page Added July 8, 1998