Understand your Japanese business partners
There have been many books written on the difference between the Japanese way of doing business and the Western one, but if you are dealing with Japan on a regular basis it can come down to small things like the way you exchange business cards and where you sit in a room.
We've put a few tips here, but can organise training to help you deal with your Japanese business contacts in a culturally sensitive manner, avoid upsetting them unintentionally and learn how to read between the lines.
If you want to know more please do get in touch for a quote
How not to upset the Japanese
Exchanging business cards
- Hold your card with both hands towards the other person and bow your head.
- Take their card and study it carefully to take in the name and rank of the person you are meeting.
- Place it on the table in front of you for the duration of the meeting or put it carefully away.
- Don't chew it, fold it or doodle on it whilst in their presence. (It's akin to slapping them in the face).
Seating in a business meeting
- Work out who is the most important person in the room (bearing in mind that guests will take precedence over the hosting company).
- Make sure that that person sits furthest from the door (and nearest the window).
- Everyone else will move out from there in order of rank with the most junior nearest to the door.
Gifts
These are very important in Japanese culture. It would take far too long here to go into the whole of the cultural significance and the different occasions on which they are given. So please get in touch for more information. However if you are ever invited into the private home of a business contact, do NOT go empty handed.
