What do I need to know about Japanese business culture?

Business Etiquette in Japan

1. Politeness. Being polite is important everywhere.
2. Business Cards. You might see your business cards just as information, but in Japan you should treat the cards you receive like they were a part of the person.
3. Greeting.
4. Outfit.
5. Interest.
6. Distance.
7. Time for Preparation.
8. Unknown Rules.

What is Japan business known for?

Advantages of Doing Business in Japan Japan has a highly developed, modern infrastructure of roads, highways, railroads, subways, airports, harbours, warehouses and telecommunications for the distribution of all types of goods and services. Japan has over 20 ports and 5 international airports.

What is Japanese business etiquette?

Men should bow while keeping their arms along the sides of their torso, while women should join their hands in front of their lower belly. Do not bow and shake hands at the same time. When meeting someone for the first time, try to introduce yourself in Japanese, even if you can’t speak the language fluently.

What should I know about Japanese culture?

12 Things You Didn’t Know About Japanese Culture

• ‘Omiyage’ are more than souvenirs.
• Christmas is a romantic holiday.
• There are cues for your shoes.
• Japanese women used to blacken their teeth.
• It’s rude to eat or drink while walking.
• Baseball is extremely popular.
• Eating horse meat is common.
• Chopstick positions have meaning.

Do and don’ts when doing business in Japan?

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• DO’S.
• Be on time!
• Remember that relationships and trust are of paramount importance.
• Pay careful attention to hierarchy.
• Treat business cards (meishi) with care and always be sure to have enough.
• Express gratitude and apologize (when sincere) frequently.
• Learn about gift-giving (omiyage) rituals.

What is important to the Japanese culture?

The arts are an important part of Japanese life. Traditional arts and crafts such as the tea ceremony, flower arranging and dance that express Japan’s cultural heritage are greatly valued and designated as ‘living national treasures’. Japan’s history has been defined too by its literature and poetry.

Why is Japan an attractive market?

As the third largest market in the world after North America and China, Japan’s fertile ground is ripe for business expansion. Japan enjoys a stable economy. This stability reduces the possibility of drastic economic fluctuations that negatively affect foreign investment entering the Japanese market.

Is it rude to shake hands in Japan?

In Japan, people greet each other by bowing. Most Japanese do not expect foreigners to know proper bowing rules, and a nod of the head is usually sufficient. Shaking hands is uncommon, but exceptions are made, especially in international business situations.

What should you not wear in Japan?

If you are traveling to Japan on business then a formal, conservative trouser or knee-length skirt-suit worn with tights in dark colors works well, but do avoid an all-black look – this is associated with funerals. Also, avoid revealing or sleeveless blouses. Japanese women generally do not wear nail varnish.

Is it rude to hug in Japan?

Do not stand close to a Japanese person. Avoid touching. Prolonged eye contact (staring) is considered rude. Don’t show affection, such as hugging or shoulder slapping, in public.

What is the proper business etiquette in Japan?

Japanese business letter salutations and conclusions are paired together based on the length and level of formality of the document. Beginning the business letter with “Dear Sir” and ending it with “Sincerely” is proper general Japanese business etiquette. The Japanese pairing for this is “haikei” (the salutation) and “keigu” (the conclusion).

What is the business culture of Japan?

The business culture in Japan stresses teamwork or collectivism, which ranks in stark contrast to the sense of individualism that stems from individual liberty and freedom espoused by western culture.

What is the difference between American and Japanese culture?

American culture is known for having freedom of speech and the basic right to question authority. Japanese culture, in comparison to the US is a lot more hierarchical. Japanese elders command respect and their wisdom within the family unit is highly valued.

What is Japanese etiquette?

In general, as in most countries, etiquette dictates that the customer is treated with reverence. In Japan this means that employees speak in a humble and deferential manner and use respectful forms of language that elevate the customer.