What You Should Know about Japanese Culture and Business Etiquette

It is important to distinguish different cultures because it not only helps you open your mind but also contributes to the success of your business. In this post, we will learn about Japanese culture and business etiquette.

Bowing

Japanese people believe bowing can show their respect to others. Therefore, they always greet each other by bowing instead of shaking hands in meetings or negotiations. Some Japanese business people do offer a handshake to their foreign partners to make it easier for them. Furthermore, bowing means to express their gratitude and apology. Hence, depending on certain situations, the meaning of bowing can be different.

Japanese business people are forgivable when it comes to cultural differences. In other words, they do not always expect other people to understand their culture, so they will not be mad at you if you do not act or behave like local people. However, it does not mean you can disrespect their culture, especially when you come to Japan for business. It will help you make a first good impression on your Japanese partners if you bow to greet them, which can lead to the success of the negotiations.

Business Cards

Business card is very important in Japan because it represents their pride and value. Therefore, receiving Japanese business cards with respect is required. Here are some tips that can help you exchange business cards correctly and impress your Japanese partners.

1. Receiving and giving with two hands. Use your right hand to pass your business card and your left hand to receive the other’s one if you and your partner exchange them at the same time. Then, you should hold his or her business card hand with both hands to show respect.
2. The best way to exchange business cards is standing up. Therefore, they should not be delivered by throwing or sliding to the other side of a table.
3. Business cards should face up and towards the other people when giving, so they can read easily without turning them around.
4. Taking a moment to read your Japanese partner’s business card is necessary to show your respect.
5. Business cards should be placed in your cardholder. Do not put them in your pocket because it is considered disrespectful.
6. Do not write or take notes on a Japanese business card. Japanese people value their business cards a lot, so it will be rude if you use them as notepaper.

Punctuality

Japan is one of the most punctual countries in the world. Consequently, being late for a Japanese meeting will not be a good idea. In Japan, being late is rude. Everyone’s time is equally valuable. If we do not want other people to waste our time, we should not waste theirs.

Japanese business people prefer to arrive 5-10 minutes early to their meetings. It can be awkward when your Japanese partners are seating and looking at you running into the meeting room because you are late. On the other hand, you can show them our professionalism, respect, and willingness to do business with them when you come to the meetings early. Furthermore, you can check your devices or review your presentation. Japanese people have tight schedules, so it can be difficult to reschedule the meetings with them if you come late or run into some technical issues. As a result, arriving at meetings early is a key to success when doing business with Japanese people.

Trust

Trust plays an important role in the success of a business. Not only Japanese business people but also others tend not to do business with their partners when there is no trust between them. It can be difficult to gain trust from Japanese partners because they do not trust others easily. Here are the tips that can help you build trust when doing business in Japan.

1. Japanese business people value honestly, so if you have any problems with your business, you should be willing to share with them. If you try to cover your problems, your business relationship with them will be destroyed sooner or later.
2. Japanese business people do not like to share their private lives. Hence, do not ask them personal questions to build rapport before your meetings or negotiations. It can make them feel uncomfortable, so they will likely put a big wall between you and them, which can cause loss of trust.
3. Showing Japanese business people your consideration can help to build trust. For example, you should prepare a Japanese version of your presentation and hand it to your Japanese partners to show them that you think about them and want to make sure they can understand your presentation deeply. Similarly, you can hire a translator to translate during the meetings because they may not understand your native language well.
4. Respect is a must when it comes to cultural differences. You should not expect your Japanese partners to know about your culture and behave like you. Instead, you should learn about their culture and follow their business rules to get good impressions because it can help to build trust more easily.

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I hope the information of Japanese culture and business etiquette in this post can help you understand more about Japanese culture and business etiquette. If you think it is useful, please share it with your coworkers or classmates.

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