Japan

Greetings

Man greeting Man – Japanese men bow to one another when greeting and departing. The depth and length of the bow will fluctuate depending on seniority and status. For foreigners a very gentle handshake and a small bow will do.

Woman greeting Woman- Japanese women bow to one another when greeting and departing. The depth and length of the bow will fluctuate depending on seniority and status. For foreigners a bow will suffice and is sometimes accompanied by a light handshake.

Man greeting Woman- At a first meeting a bow will do. In business settings a light handshake is common.

Communication Style

• An indirect style of communication is preferred over a direct style. It’s best to imply what you are saying then actually saying it.

Personal Space & Touch

• The Japanese prefer standing at arms lengths from one another. Two and half to three feet is normal. When meeting strangers this distance is farther.
• In public places like the subway, a market, etc. personal space can be limited and pushing up against one another is quite common.
• There is almost no touching between men and men, women and women, and men and women while conversing. In social situations, like drinking together, it is more common.

Eye Contact

• Japanese tend to favor indirect eye contact over direct. They may view direct eye contact as intimidating and threatening.
• Japanese usually use indirect eye contact when speaking with their elders or superiors as a sign of respect and deference.

Gestures

• Waving your hand back and forth in front of your face means "I don't know" or "no".
• You should take your shoes off when entering a Japanese home, many restaurants, and most hotel rooms.
• People beckon one another by extending an arm and making a scratching motion with their fingers (fingers pointed to the floor).
• The OK sign (index finger touching thumb with 3 other fingers extended) is a gesture used to signify money or coins.
• Beckoning or pointing with the index finger is considered bad form. Using your whole hand, palm flat, is the way to go.

Views of Time

• Japanese place a great deal of emphasis on adhering to schedules and deadlines. They value and expect punctuality.
• The bus, train, and plane schedules are almost always on time and it is the norm to show up to a social function at the scheduled time.

Gender Roles

• Although women hold jobs in a variety of professions, they are still usually expected to do the housework and take care of the kids when they return home.
• Most women are expected to stop working once they are married or have kids.

Taboos

• Putting one’s feet on the furniture is considered extremely rude.
• Avoid eating and drinking while walking in public. Avoid sneezing, spitting, and burping as well.
• Putting your thumb in between your middle and index finger while making a fist is an obscene gesture.
• Avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice as it is reserved for funerals.
• Avoid sucking and biting your chopsticks as well.
• It's consider rude to point at someone or something with your chopsticks.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age and smoking age in is 20 and is not heavily enforced. Both are readily available in public vending machines.
• Penalties for possession, acquisition, and trafficking of drugs are severe and include heavy fines and mandatory imprisonment in local jails.

Dress

• Dress is quite formal for both men and women.
• For men: conservative, dark colored suits with white shirts and conservative ties. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off if possible.
• For women: conservative business suits or dresses and blouses are appropriate. Avoid tight fitting and sleeveless attire.
• Jeans and less casual attire are not recommended.

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are very important and it is best to address people directly by using their professional title or Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the surname.
• Japanese names begin with a family name followed by a given name.
• It is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into Japanese and be sure to present your business card with two hands with the Japanese side facing the recipient.
• Look at business cards you receive them (with two hands) with interest by examining them carefully. It’s best to place them in a holder and be sure to never write on or fold a business card you are given.

Meetings

• Arriving on time for a meeting is important -- punctuality is highly valued.
• Hierarchy is very important in Japanese culture, so it is always best to defer to the most senior person in the room when it comes to beginning and guiding conversations.
• Beginning with small talk helps establish a base for the relationship, after which discussion of business matters can begin. It is best to allow your host to begin the business discussion.
• Periods of silence are considered acceptable and are to be expected. Avoid interrupting and talking over someone if possible.

Negotiations

• Japanese value relationship building and harmony so avoid hard selling, pressure tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation. Saving face is paramount.
• Japanese value an indirect communication style and will avoid using no in answering questions. They tend to say, “maybe”, or “that would be difficult”.
• Decisions come from the top down, but a consensus is needed and expected at every level so patience is a must.
• When Japanese debate, they are not directly confrontational. They do their best to maintain harmony, by trying to see the argument from the other person's point of view, and twisting the logic to get the opponent to see things their way.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are not usually exchanged at a first business meeting.
• If invited to a Japanese house, it is appropriate to bring flowers (avoid white), cakes, chocolates, or expensive fruit like melons.
• Gifts should always be nicely wrapped and carried in a bag before being given.
• Gifts are not to be opened when they are received. It is best to do this in private.

In the Classroom

• Dress at most schools is casual. Students usually wear shirts, sweaters, slacks or jeans.
• Classes at most universities run from April to March with a long vacation time in July and August.
• Most university grades are given on a 0-100 scale with 100 being the highest. The minimum passing grade is usually 60.