Japanese business etiquette has evolved from one of the most formal and ritualistic cultures in the world, and many of the cultural nuances of Japanese society are reflected in their business dealings. International companies entering Japan can gain a competitive advantage by familiarizing themselves with this unique society’s expectations for business attire, communication, gift giving, employee relations, and business meetings.
Business Meetings and Communication in Japan
Business cards play a large role in Japanese business relationships, and international businesspeople should expect to receive between five and ten business cards at each meeting. It is advisable to carry an ample supply of double-sided business cards, with one side printed in English and the other in Japanese, to business meetings. Business cards should be presented and received with two hands and a slight bow, and should be treated with the utmost respect. Business cards should not be put away immediately; Japanese businesspeople appreciate a visitor taking the time to look them over immediately.
Bowing is the traditional greeting in Japan, and is used to convey a number of subtle messages. Handshakes are becoming more popular in modern times, however, as Japanese businesspeople spend time with their international counterparts. Japanese people prefer not to maintain eye contact when speaking, and can become uncomfortable if they feel that visitors are staring at them. Talking distance is farther in Japan than in many other nations, and any physical contact during a meeting should be avoided.
Body language is an extremely important aspect of communication in Japanese business culture. According to culturalsavvy.com, the following body movements can cause discomfort in Japanese businesspeople:
- Leaving hands in pockets while speaking
- Standing with legs crossed
- Leaning against walls
- Sitting with an ankle on a knee
- Stretching legs out while sitting
- Sitting in a way that exposes shoe soles
- Leaning back into a chair or sofa
Japanese Business Attire
Japanese business attire is among the most formal in the world. Japanese businessmen are expected to wear dark suits with white shirts and subdued ties during the cold seasons, and gray suits during the summer. Since summers in Japan can be very hot and humid, some men will wear short-sleeve collared shirts to work.
Businesswomen in Japan are required by most companies to wear a company uniform, although Japanese women are very fashion conscious outside of work. International businesswomen should wear short or tied-back hair and a suit with a long skirt or pants. Women should avoid wearing jewelry and high-heeled shoes in business meetings, but dressing fashionably at dinner parties or when visiting a home is acceptable.
Employee Relations
Japanese employees are accustomed to lifetime employment, and have been brought up in a society that honors self-sacrifice for the good of a group. Japanese workers are not likely to change jobs frequently to acheive higher wages or better benefits, and in turn will expect to be secure in their employment as long as their performance is satisfactory. Performing large-scale layoffs and divisional cutbacks can seriously harm a company’s reputation and future employee relations in Japan.
Business Gifts in Japanese Business Culture
In Japanese culture, more emphasis is placed on the ritual significance of business gift giving rather than the gift itself. Regardless of the quality of the gift, a thoughtful presentation can make a positive impression on a Japanese businessperson.
It is considered polite to refuse a gift several times before finally accepting. When a gift is accepted, a reciprocal gift is expected. Gifts should be given and received with both hands, with a slight bow to show appreciation.
According to 1worldglobalgifts.com, the best time to give a gift is toward the end of meetings, and they should never be given at conspicuous times. Gifts should always be given in private; a publicly given gift can be seen as rude to those who are not included, and can cause embarrassment for the recipient. Gifts given to groups should be presented to the entire group at once for the same reasons.
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