Communication Etiquette:
• They like to do business based on personal relationship
• A third person introduction by someone who has developed a relationship will go along way
• Greetings are very formal and ritualized
– Show respect to your counter part
• Foreigners are expected to shake hands
– Traditional form of greeting is the bow
– How far you bow depends on how your relationship is
– It can be impolite to introduce yourself
• Table manners are a large part of a meeting at a restaurant
Business Etiquette:
• They know it is hard for foreigners to work in Japan
– They will not expect you to read or speak Japanese
– Mistakes are allowed with genuine respect
• The Japanese are non-confrontational
– They do have a difficult time saying “no”
– Phrase everything so they can say yes
• They will often remain silent for very long periods of time
– Be patient
• Never loose your temper
• Business attire is conservative
– Men – Dark colored suits
– Women – should be dressed conservatively
• Business cards are always exchanged
– Use quality cards