Japanese business etiquette is essential for gaining partners and clients in Japan. As Japan continues to grow economically, understanding proper etiquette will help businesses expand successfully into the Japanese market. Japanese etiquette is very precise, and small errors can damage relationships. To impress Japanese colleagues, learn to bow respectfully, present business cards properly with both hands, avoid harsh language, dress appropriately, communicate directly but humbly, and arrive on time or early for meetings. Mastering Japanese business etiquette practices will enhance opportunities for foreign businesses in Japan.

1. Japanese
business
etiquette
Presented By:
Mayank Kothari
IFIM Business School

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 be benefited
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. Japanese Greetings
• 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.
• 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.

5. Bow.
Do so with your back
straight and your hands
at the sides. The longer
and deeper the bow, the
more respect!

6. Japanese business cards.
The quality and condition of your business
card speaks much about how you intend to
conduct yourself and business.

7. NEVER!
• Never flick, throw, slide, lob or otherwise push your Japanese
business card across the table - always present your Japanese
business card holding it with both hands, Japanese-language side
facing forward
• Never write notes on a Japanese business card - never!
• Never fidget or play with a Japanese business card!

8. Business attire MAN.
Wear dark* suits with white
shirt and subdued tie.
* Do not wear black suit, white
shirt and black tie because that is
funeral attire.
Japanese companies do not
allow male employees to wear
beards nor to shave their
heads.

9. Business meetings.
If you will be late arriving for a
meeting then call at least 1 hour in
advance to allow the customer to
reschedule.
Always arrive 10 minutes early for a
meeting, more if the meeting will be
with senior executives.

10. Things to
Avoid in
Japanese
Business
Etiquette.

12. “Your FUTUREis created by what
YOU DO TODAY
not tomorrow”