Japanese business etiquette is the subject of entire books - mostly written by people who have not been to Japan since the 1970s and want us to believe that Japanese business etiquette dictates that even the most trivial business meeting has levels.


In practice, Japanese business etiquette is not so different - politeness, sensitivity and good manners are the pillars of Japanese business etiquette. Same as in other countries.

Japanese business etiquette is not so different once you get to know the people and their main traditions you are dealing with.

The key issues to be aware of are almost all related to initial meetings - especially with senior executives of large companies. As time passes and your relationship with a customer strengthens, the formalities will lessen- although never to the same extent as in Georgia Republic, because in Georgia friendship is on first place and friendship traditions takes roots in earlier history.

Here are some key aspects of Japanese business etiquette:

Japanese business cards
. In Japanese business etiquette, Japanese business cards are a 'must have'. If you go or are going to meet Japanese at business meeting it is good to have double-sided Japanese business cards printed with the Japanese language on one side designed using the same elements as the English side. If your original business card is not English (i.e. German, French, Spanish etc.) then use double-sided English and Japanese business cards when doing business in Japan.

. Never flick, throw, slide, lob or otherwise push your Japanese business card across the table - always present your Japanese business card holding it with both hands, Japanese-language side facing forward. Give it to the most senior member of the Japanese party first, bowing slightly as you do so and then on down the corporate ladder.

. Accept a Japanese business card with respect, using both hands, saying 'Thank you'.

. Never write notes on a Japanese business card - never! Carry a small note book to write down notes or enter them into your PDA.

. Never fidget or play with a Japanese business card.

. Remember to deliberately and carefully pick up all of the Japanese business cards you receive and put them into your case at the end of the meeting. Forgetting his business card is very rude; it says you did not consider him to be relevant.

Appearance
Men

. Japanese business etiquette may be getting less formal but business attire does not seem to be changing.

. Those who dress according to their status or position impress the Japanese. Dress to impress.

. Wear dark conservative attire. Business suits are most suitable.

. Casual dress is never appropriate in a business setting.

Women

. Women - although not so much an aspect of Japanese business etiquette as of culture, many Japanese men do not relate easily to women with authority in business and that can present problems for women executives. To avoid being treated as an 'office-lady':

. Wear shorter (or tied back) hair.

. Women’s dress should be conservative. Little emphasis should be placed on accessories. They should be minimal.

. Women should not wear pants in a business situation. Japanese men tend to find it offensive.

. Women should only wear low-heeled shoes to avoid towering over men.

. If you decide to wear a kimono wrap it left over right to do otherwise symbolize death.

Business meetings

. Not strictly Japanese business etiquette but always telephone 1 - 2 hours prior to a scheduled meeting to confirm that you are on your way.

. If you will be late arriving for a meeting then call at least 1 hour in advance to allow the customer to reschedule.

. Always arrive 10 minutes early for a meeting, more if the meeting will be with senior executives.

. It is good Japanese business etiquette to take lots of notes - it indicates interest and Japanese are trained during induction to note down everything at meetings. If you forget a discount that you promised in an early meeting, even a year later the Japanese side will show you the note they made at the time!

Personal habits

. Avoid using large hand gestures, unusual facial expressions and any dramatic movements. The Japanese do not talk with their hands and to do so could distract your host.
Pointing in not acceptable.

. Do no blow your nose in public (including meeting rooms).

. Never pat a Japanese man on the back or shoulder.

. Never make derogatory remarks about anyone, including your competitors and own employees.

. A smile can have double meaning. It can express either joy or displeasure. Use caution with your facial expressions. They can be easily misunderstood.

. It is good to ask a lot of questions about your customer's company (and none about his/her private life).

. Japanese rarely entertain in the home. If you are invited to the home of your Japanese host, consider it a great honor and display a tremendous amount of appreciation.

. Do not openly display money. It is rare to see it given from person to person in Japan. It is important to use an envelope to pass money.

. In Asia the number 14 is bad luck, because in Japanese it sounds like the word ‘shuh-shuh’, which sounds like the word for death.

Gift giving

. Gift giving is very important both business and personal situations.

. Style is everything. The gift itself is of little importance, the ceremony surrounding it is what matters.

. Always wrap gifts. And choose the paper carefully; don’t give anything wrapped in white as it symbolizes death. Don’t use bright colors or bows to wrap the gift either. It is better to have the place you bought the gift to warp it to ensure that it is appropriate.

. Give your host some warning during the evening that you intend to give them a present. Don’t surprise your host.

. Give the gift with both hands and accept gifts with both hands.

. Generally, gifts will not be opened while you are there. If your host insist that you open the gift they have given you, do so carefully. They take pride in gift wrapping; show that you appreciate the effort.

. Do not give gifts in odd numbers or the number four, odd numbers are bad luck and four sounds like the word for death in Japanese.

. Gifts should be given at the end of a visit.

. Do not admire anything belonging to your host too closely. The Japanese love to please so you may end up taking it home as a gift.

. Good gift ideas are top choice beef, fruit and alcohol such as brandy, quality whiskey and wine.