Even though Japanese younger generations are less "strict" than their parents, it is still a country where people are extremely sensitive to traditions. If you visit Japan for business it is extremely important to appreciate how traditional your host is and to have the appropriate behavior.

How To Behave

• 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.
• A smile can have double meaning. It can express either joy or displeasure. Use caution with your facial expressions as they can be easily misunderstood.
• The Japanese are not uncomfortable with silence and they use it to their advantage in many situations. Allow your host to sit in silence.
• Avoid extended direct eye contact. Japanese view direct eye contact as an affront. When conversing, only an occasional glance into the other person's face is necessary.
• Show the greatest respect to the oldest members of a Japanese group. Age = Rank.
• Do not cross your arms when listening to someone speak.
• Do no blow your nose in public.
• Drinking is an important part of Japanese culture as it is a way to relieve business pressure. When toasting the glass must never be left empty. Never pour yourself a drink, always allow someone else to do it for you.
• Business entertaining is often performed in restaurants and bars after business hours. It can sometimes be in a karaoke or "hostess bars" (which could be a problem with business women but they are usually careful with that fact).
• At a restaurant, the host orders the meal and pay.
• If you do take your host out insist upon paying. The Japanese will refuse but insist.
• Japanese will prefer that you choose a Western-style restaurant when entertain them.
• If you are invited to a social event, punctuality is not expected. It is the custom to be "fashionably late". Punctuality is expected at the office though.
• It is perfectly acceptable to slurp your noodles. Doing so will exhibit your enjoyment of your food. To do otherwise, indicates that your meal was not a pleasant one.
• Do not openly display money. It is important to use an envelope to pass money.
• Tipping is not expected and may offend.
• Business may be discussed during evening entertainment.
• 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.
• The Japanese frown on open displays of affection. They do not touch in public. It is highly inappropriate to touch someone of the opposite sex in public.
• Business and personal gift giving is very important. The gift itself is of little importance, the ceremony surrounding it is very important.
• Always wrap gifts. The selection of the wrapping paper is critical. Do not give anything wrapped in white as it symbolizes death. Do not use bright colors or bows to wrap the gift. It is better to have the hotel or the store wrap the gift to ensure that it is appropriate.
• Do not surprise a recipient with a gift. Give the host some warning during the evening that you intend to give a present.
• Give a gift (or anything else) with both hands and accept gifts with both hands.
• Usually, gifts will not be opened in your presence. If your host insist that you open the gift do so gently. They take pride in gift wrapping, show that you appreciation the effort.
• Gifts should be given at the end of a visit.
• Good gift ideas include top choice beef, fruit and alcohol such as brandy, quality whiskey and Bourbon along with excellent wines. They also appreciate gifts from high-end department stores like Saks and Neiman Marcus.

Greeting / Salutation

• The customary greeting is the bow.
• Some Japanese may greet with a weak handshake. It is an indication of character.
• If you are greeted with a bow, return with a bow as low as the one you received.
• How low you bow determines the status of the relationship between you and the other individual. (i.e. a vendor will bow lower than his customer).
• When you bow keep your eyes low and your palms flat next to your thighs.
• Avoid the "OK" sign as in Japan it means money.
• The business cards should be exchanged after the bow.
• The Japanese prefer to use last names. Do not request to be called by your first name only.
• In introductions use the person’s last name plus the word san which means Mr. or Ms. (i.e. Mr. Tanigawa will be addressed as Tanigawa-San).
• The Japanese prefer not to use the word no.
• If you ask a question they may simply respond with a yes but clearly mean no (i.e. if you ask "Are you available at 4PM?" they will answer yest even if they are not. The right question is "Waht time are you available this afternoon?").

Business Cards

• Business cards are received with both hands.
• They must be printed in your home language on one side and Japanese on the other.
• Present the card with the Japanese language side up.
• Do not write on the card.
• Do not put the card away during the meeting, as the action will be viewed as defacing or disrespecting the business card.
• Upon receipt of the card, examine the card carefully as a show of respect.
• In a business situation, business cannot begin until business cards are exchanged.

Dress Code

• Dress to impress. Those who dress according to their status or position impress the Japanese.
• Men should wear dark conservative attire. Business suits are most suitable.
• Casual is never appropriate in a business setting.
• Shoes should be easy to remove, as you will do so often. Slip-ons are the best choice.
• Women’s dress should be conservative. Little emphasis should be placed on accessories.
• 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.
• A kimono/katana should be wrapped left over right to do otherwise symbolizes death.