Japan is an exmple of a country in which...

"Japan is an example of a country in which the code of social conduct became so formal... and important,that proper behavior became the paramount law of the land."

Etiquette Guide to Japan, Boye Lafayette De Mente

If you are doing business with Japan and do not undersand proper etiquette and protocol, you may be jeopardizing your changes of success. Cross - cultural training is essential - do not leave the office without preparing!

Most communication is non-verbal. Be sensitive to the messages you are sending out through your body language.

Sitting & Standing

When speaking with someone, do not leave hands in pokets.
Do not stand with legs crossed over the other.
Do not lean against a wall or door.
Do not sit with the ankle over the knee. May sit with legs crossed at the ankles or knees.
Do not stick legs out in front on one either on tatami or in the chair.
Do not sit in a way that shows the soles of your shoes.
Sit on the edge of a chair or sofa to show respect. Leaning back shows familiarity.
When sitting on tatami,first start out sitting on your legs and then shift into a less formal position.Woman may tuck their legs to one side, but not sit cross - legged(acceptable for man).

Distance & Touching

The Japanese like more space between themselves than others.
Bowing too close to each other could be dangerous!
Touching is also taboo in Japan. The american pat on the back or arm around the shoulder is to be avoided.
Rarely is kissing accepted as greeting. Some Japanese with extensive European experience will be familiar with this form of greeting.
Bowing is common greeting in Japan, however, the handshake is becoming more popular, particularlu among those who work with international guests and clients and among young people.

Emotions & Communication

When is smile not a smile? The Japanese smile to communicate various emotions: anger, embarrasment, sadness and disappointment. Interpretation depends on context.
Eye contact is thought of as rude in Japan. They will often look down at their shoes or off in the air. Take care to not stare.
Silence in Japan is golden and is often used as a negotiating starategy.
Do not be tempted to jump in a fill the silence.


A visitor to culturalsavvy.com asked...


"What is the custom in Japan for going up and down stairs when arrivng at and leaving business meetings?"




A visitor send following response:
"Whether in business meetings or home visits, it is generally considered to good manners for the host to see the visitors off -- to the door, to the elevator, all the way to the building entrance until they board their transport, depends on the relationship between the two.
Obviously a very senior person doesn't escort a very junior one very far.

One thing I can say is that the Japanese see the visitors leave and watch them until they are out of sight(at least eye contact) before turning their heel and return to their office or living room. Many a Japanese visitor visiting the U.S., those I used to escort and interpret for, were a bit dismayed when the host people didn't wait for their limousine or bus to start moving before they turned their back to the visitors. We don't do that. On the other hand, Americans don't seem to expect that sort of send - off parties, so you don't miss anything."

A Japanese proverb says...

If you are fortunate to have the enjoyable experience of eating something new,your life will be lengthened by seventy-five years.

Japanse Food is an Art

The entire meal is a "symphony of carefully orchestrated flavour, color, texture and seasonal appropriatenes." Japanese food is considered an art and one should view the art and appreciate it before beginning to eat. Be sure to acknowledge the beauty of the presentation.

The Japanese have refined the art of making guests feel honored. They are known for wining and dining and pampering guests making it a challenge to reciprocate appropriately and adequately.

1.The oshibori is a warm or cold wet towel to cleanse your hands. Men will sometimes wipe their faces with it.

2.Japanese restaurants do not have napkins. Women often place a handkerchief in their lap. Always carry a handkerchief.

3.More formal meals are served on lacquer trays. Placement of dishes is significant - don't move them around on the try.

4.Most good restaurants place chopsticks on a rest - hashioki.
5.The rice bowl is to the left, the soup is to the right. Always pick up these bowls when eating.

A popular expresion says...

"Chinese food is for the stomach, Japanese for the eyes"

6.If there is a lid, remove it and place it upside down on the tray. Lids on soup can be hard to remove. Gently squeeze the bowl and remove the lid. when finished place covers back on bowls.

7.There are various different dishes on the try. Do not finish one and then move to the next. Eat small amounts out of each one. The japanese custom of serving things in separate dishes emphasizes the importance placed on presentation.

8.When uncertain about something, such as how to eat a certain Japanese delicacy, you may ask questions. This shows you are genuinely interested in leaming about the culture. However, do not turn the evening into a game of " twenty questions" with your host or sever.


What do you think about Japanese culture?
Did you ever meet with any anusual habits of Japanese?