Proper Japanese business etiquette is essential to gain new partners and clients in the Japanese business community. Japan continues to grow as an economic business powerhouse and therefore going global to Japan is a popular move these days for companies seeking to increase their market share. Business people looking to expand into Japanese markets will benefit greatly from practicing proper Japanese business etiquette. Becoming confident with the proper business etiquette procedures used in Japanese will help you create success for your business. Japanese business etiquette is very specific and precise. Don’t allow one easily avoided error to cost you the relationship with your new Japanese partners.. Impress your Japanese colleagues by understanding what they value and respecting their ancient traditions in proper etiquette which will in turn enhance your entry to the Japanese market.

1. Foreign Staffing, Inc.

2.  Proper Japanese business
etiquette is essential to gain new
partners and clients in the
Japanese business community.
 Japan continues to grow as an
economic business powerhouse
and therefore going global to
Japan is a popular move these
days for companies seeking to
increase their market share.
 Business people looking to
expand into Japanese markets
will benefit greatly from practicing
proper Japanese business
etiquette.

3.  Becoming confident with the
proper business etiquette
procedures used in Japanese will
help you create success for your
business.
 Japanese business etiquette is
very specific and precise.
 Don’t allow one easily avoided
error to cost you the relationship
with your new Japanese partners..
Impress your Japanese colleagues
by understanding what they value
and respecting their ancient
traditions in proper etiquette
which will in turn enhance your
entry to the Japanese market.

4.  Avoid harsh and boastful language, as
the Japanese value business partners
who present themselves as humble
people. Understand that any overtly
confrontational words or gestures as
well as putting a colleague on the
spot, may all come across as rude and
pushy to your potential Japanese
business partners.

5.  Be prepared for direct communication,
especially with questions that are
pointed and frank. Your Japanese
colleagues will ask very specific “get to
know you” type questions, as this is
simply how people learn about each
other.
 You may even hear questions like “how
much money do you make?” or “how
old are you?” Do not let this offend you.

6.  Easily establish your authenticity and
trustworthiness by offering Japanese
translations of all your documents to
demonstrate to your potential
colleagues your level of
professionalism.

7.  Always take the time to fully read
and digest your Japanese
colleague’s card as this is a sign
of respect. Never simply put away
the card without properly showing
respect for the information and
never put it in a back pocket. .
The respect you show the business
card is a clear indication of the
respect you will show the person.

8.  Always exchange business cards at the
beginning of meetings. Offer your
business card as a formal presentation
with the Japanese translation
information facing upwards and
readable to the recipient. Once taken,
give a slight bow after. Be sure to have a
Japanese translation of your card on the
flipside, as this shows your respect for
and desire to do business with your
Japanese colleagues. Always take the
time to fully read and digest your
Japanese colleague’s card as this is a
sign of respect. Never simply put away
the card without properly showing
respect for the information and never
put it in a back pocket. . The respect you
show the business card is a clear
indication of the respect you will show
the person.

9.  Don't be distressed if your Japanese
colleagues go silent and even shut
their eyes, as this shows they are
thinking gravely about something.