Business Manners in Japan: What Every Foreigner Should Know

Japan has many cultures and traditions. Do you know that there are unique business manners in Japan? This article introduces Japanese business manners.

The Importance of Understanding Business Manners

When working abroad, cultural differences can cause problems. This is true in Japan as well. Japanese culture has specific values and manners that are new to foreigners. Knowing these differences can prevent mistakes and issues. Understanding business manners is important to show respect and make a good impression.

Japanese Values Related to Business Manners

Value Harmony

Harmony is highly valued in Japanese society. In business, decisions are made with a focus on harmony. Rather than favoring one person's opinion, a decision that everyone agrees on is often chosen.

Respect Hierarchical Relationships

In Japanese workplaces, hierarchical relationships are important. For example, there is a relationship between "senior" (senpai) and "junior" (kouhai). When speaking to a senior or someone with a higher position, use honorifics. Do not use casual language.

Business Manners You Should Know

Nod

Japanese people nod when someone is speaking. During meetings or interviews, listeners nod to show they are paying attention.

Bowing

In Japan, people bow instead of shaking hands. The angle of the bow varies with the situation.
Eshaku: Light greeting bow, about 15 degrees.
Futsūrei: Common bow for thanking or exchanging business cards, about 30 to 35 degrees.
Saikeirei: Deep bow for apologizing, about 45 to 60 degrees.

Here are three types of bowing.  

会釈(Eshaku)　

This is a bow done in a light greeting. Bend your body about 15 degrees.

普通礼(Futsurei)

This is a common bow used when thanking someone or exchanging business cards. The body is bent at a 30 to 35 degree angle.

最敬礼(Saikeirei)

This is the bow you do when apologizing. Bend your body about 45 to 60 degrees.
 
The purpose of each of these bows is different.
Please understand the difference and be careful not to bail when apologizing.

Exchange of Business Cards

In Japan, exchanging business cards is important when meeting someone from another company or a customer for the first time.
Manners for Exchanging Business Cards:

• Exchange business cards with both hands.
• Greet the person, say your name, and hand your card lower than theirs.
• When accepting a card, say "Chodai Itashimasu" or "Please give me your card."
• Place the received card on the upper left side of the table, on the business card holder.
• After the meeting, put the cards in a business card case and take them home.
• Do not write on business cards; it is very rude.

If you are not comfortable, practice with a senior staff member!

Manners at Meetings

Punctuality

If you are attending a meeting in Japan, be on time. Many people arrive a few minutes early (3 to 5 minutes) to get ready. This shows respect for others' time. Review materials and the agenda in advance.

Behavior During Meetings

During the meeting, face the speaker and listen carefully. Nod and take notes to show interest. Do not interrupt; wait for your turn to speak. Ask questions after the presenter finishes.

How Decisions are Made and Agreed Upon

In Japan, decisions are often made by more than one person. Everyone's opinions and ideas are combined to find a solution that is good for everyone. This process can take time.

Conclusion

It is important to respect and accept manners and courtesy in any country, including Japan. Japanese business manners may be complicated, but if you work in Japan, it is better to know them. Build trust with your colleagues and customers through good business manners!