This document provides guidance on Japanese business etiquette. It outlines important customs regarding business cards such as exchanging them using two hands and not writing on them. It recommends conservative business attire for men and women, avoiding short skirts or transparent clothing. Meeting etiquette is also discussed, such as arriving early and taking notes. Personal habits like nose blowing or inappropriate gestures should be avoided. Proper greetings and bowing are also summarized.

1. Japanese Business Etiquettes
Mai Doan
April 28, 2014

2. 5 things to remember about
Business Cards
• It’s a MUST, so don’t ever say you don’t have
enough or forgot it somewhere.
• Don’t flick, slide it across the table, use your
BOTH hands to give it with respect.
• Impress them with some Japanese, why not?
• Put the cards in front of you and just please
don’t play with it or write on it.
• Respectfully pick up the cards at the end of the
meetings and put in in your case.

3. Business attire for men and women
MEN WOMEN
White shirts
Dark suit (navy or black)
Subdue tie (not black tie)
Short hair
No facial hair, of course !!!
Dress or long skirts are preferable
Stick to black or blue
No short skirts or high-heeled shoes
Short/Tied hair
Should not have too much
accessories
*Do not wear anything that is
transparent and colorful.

4. 5 things to do at business meeting
• Confirm 1 hour in advance via phone call
• Arrive 10 minutes early or more
• Wait to be seated (the more important person,
the further away from the door)
• Take a lot of notes
• End the meeting on time

5. 5 personal habits remarks
• Do not blow your nose, cross your legs, or
present unprofessional gestures.
• Do not grab your host's hand, take a bow
instead.
• Never pat a Japanese man on the back or
shoulder.
• Never make derogatory remarks about anyone.
• Show your interest in the conversation

6. Other reminders
Bow in the same height
Do not write in red ink
Gifts should always be wrapped
Do not be the one who sits first
Never raise your voice
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7. Japanese Business Greeting Example
• Person A:
1. Hajimemashite.
2. Watashi wa
_________desu.
3. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
• Person B:
▫ Kochira koso, hajimemashite.
▫ Watashi wa
___________desu.
▫ Dōzo yoroshiku onegai
shimasu.
So, basically they say:
A: Nice to meet you meet
you, my name is____. Be
kind to me.
B: Same here, nice to meet
you, my name is____.
Please be kind to me.
But it’s part of the Japanese
culture so just repeat them
over and over until you
accomplish the perfect
Japanese greeting.