Communication in Business: Japanese Business Etiquette

This article discusses Japanese business etiquette and communication, including tips on things to remember and avoid, and recommendations for successful business deals in Japan. It also covers the reaction of Japanese clients when they meet a female supplier. The article is relevant for anyone doing business in Japan or interested in cross-cultural communication.

Running head: COMMUNICATION IN BUSINESS
Communication in Business
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Discussion........................................................................................................................................3
Japanese business etiquette..........................................................................................................3
Things to remember.................................................................................................................4
Things to avoid........................................................................................................................5
Reaction of Japanese clients when they meet a female supplier.................................................6
Recommendations............................................................................................................................6
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8
References:......................................................................................................................................9

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Introduction
People who can navigate in foreign countries have an element of worldliness and
sophistication in them. It indicates executive presence and demonstrates the concern of grave,
civility and consideration of the others that does not go neglected. It always has a recoil effect, as
it is not the norm. Most of the people assume that the thing that is a common practice in their
home place is also normal and logical in other parts of the world. This thinking is invalid and
many a times, it accidentally works against what the person is trying to accomplish. Japan is a
society that is bounded by rules and different standards of behavior. Therefore, before leaving for
Japan, Emily must keep in mind that Japan was never and will never be a western colony.
Japanese people are strong will and of traditional abilities (Islam 2017). Hence, spend must time
in order to familiarize herself with the customs, values and the behavioral practices that are
accepted in that country and the things that will help her communicate effectively with the
business tycoon of the country. An adherence to Japanese etiquette will give Emily an edge and
help her create an approving impression of hers and her business too.
Discussion
Japanese business etiquette
It is very important to apprehend that observance of the cultural norms differ from person
to person within a culture. However, communication takes place in between one person and the
other, and not between different cultures (Okoro 2012). Therefore, while considering cultural

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etiquette, it is wise to commence these guidelines, not, gospel. Hence, while keeping this in
mind, Emily must consider the following etiquette rules of Japan before her final meeting.
Things to remember
a) Time consciousness- Punctuality is very crucial. Japanese are very punctual and the
excuses of traffic jams to come late on the meetings in Japan are not considered. It gives
a wrong impression and may result in dismiss of the meeting, which will ultimately affect
the result of the business deal.
b) Presentations of the Business Cards- A business card or ‘Meishi’ is considered as an
extension of identity by the Japanese business professionals (Polleri 2017). They are been
treated with maximum respect. Hence, it is very important to perceive some entrenched
rules of etiquette that shows respect for the person. Accepting the business card and
presenting one’s own business card with both the hands will create a positive impact on
their mind about the person. One of the worst things that can be done in Japanese
etiquette is to pack some one’s business card into the wallet or back pocket in their
presence. Keep those cards on the table, until the meeting gets over.
c) Greeting and introduction- Greeting in Japan is one of the toughest challenges that come
at first. Bowing is intensely important there. However, the hosts may realize that the
westerners are unfamiliar to bowing, so he or she may offer handshake instead but when
it comes to the question of business agreement, then bowing would be much preferable.
d) Removing Shoes- If the business meeting is held outside the office, a few basic etiquette
is important to know. While entering to any home or sitting area, remember to open the
shoes and follow the lead of the host. However, going in socks is acceptable but make

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sure that there is no visible whole in the socks. In addition to these, do not use the host’s
slippers while going to toilet. There will be slippers, waiting at the entrance. Make use of
them.
e) Table manners- In Japan, the businesses are often conducted over drinks. Even if it is
disliked, maintain some etiquette by accepting the invitation for drinking. This will
provide with an opportunity to experience an interesting bit of Japanese culture and may
lead to a successful deal as well.
f) Relationship- Relationship is considered as the most important aspect of business in
Japanese culture. Though it may take long time to build efficient relationship with them
and this cannot be done sitting at UK. The Japanese businesspersons like to know the
complete background of the person before they start into a business with them (Sethi
2016). Hence, they test their clients during several activities in order to know what type
of person he or she is and whether it is suitable for them doing business with that person.
g) Custom of giving and taking gifts- Opening gifts at the time when they are presented is
against the Japanese custom. It must also be kept in mind that the gift must be as
expensive as the power of the contact.
Things to avoid
a) Keep hands out of the pockets and avoid making use of mobile phones while speaking or
at the meeting.
b) Do not blow nose in public (Tanaka and Kleiner 2015). It is against the Japanese
etiquette. Either excuse yourself to toilet or out of the room.
c) Do not kiss anyone as a greeting.

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d) Avoid the gesture of pointing fingers. Pointing fingers, feet or even chopsticks is
supposed rude in Japan.
e) Number ‘4’ and ‘9’ are believed to be unfortunate in the Japanese culture. The term
‘four’ is considered to be carrying the same meaning as death and the word ‘nine’ means
suffering. Hence, avoid giving gifts or any sort of things in a set of four or nine.
f) Save face. Personal dignity is very vital to the people in Japan (Rothlin and McCann
2016). Avoid causing people to lose their face by revealing their shortcomings or
mistakes in front of the others.
Reaction of Japanese clients when they meet a female supplier
Japanese businesspersons treat differently to a female business contact, because they
know they are from the overseas. In many Japanese companies, the senior staffs are females, and
the Japanese have to adjust to such style. Still, the male senior staff dominates many Japanese
SMEs. In the companies in Japan, where a Japanese female staff is senior than her male
colleagues, speaking in English is sometimes used in order to avoid the use of the ‘female’
Japanese language to the male junior mates, as the ‘female’ language is normally reserved as
considerate to Japanese men (Terasawa 2017). Hence, If the chosen attire is a skirt, then it will
be best to wear skirts that fall below the knee level. However, many business-women also wear
trouser suits now-a-days.
Recommendations
a) Send them a summary of the notes of the presentation in advance and the summary of the
business’s competencies as well so that he gets the chance to discuss about them
internally (Naoko et al. 2016).

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b) Add Japanese annotation in business card.
c) Present the business cards with both hands while bowing or after shaking hands.
d) Make use of evening drinking session in order to reinforce the proposal.
e) No matter how long it takes, but do take time to invest in building good relationship with
the Japanese.
f) Make sure that the job title in Japanese adequately communicates the seniority.
g) Emily must provide them with informative materials regarding her background, also the
subject matter of her assignment, for example, product catalogues, company brochures,
etc as soon in advance as possible.
h) Present them gifts that are typically English or have Royal connections and make sure
that they are well wrapped.
i) Take things slowly. Keep what you say simple and straightforward. Speak in short speed
that could be easily translated. Avoid asking rhetorical questions.
j) Never be late and do not try to cancel or change meeting at the last minute until and
unless there is absolutely no other alternative (Dunn 2011).
k) Construct a short and warm introductory speech for the meeting.
l) Maintaining personal posture is very important. Sit firmly in chairs at meeting and do not
cross the legs and maintain a formal style (Dunn 2013). Do not drink the tea offered
before the host has invited you to do so.
m) Shake hands at both the beginning and end of meeting.
n) While taking the first sip of the drink at meals, do toast your host by rising the glass to
him or her and to those who are around before starting drinking. Do not drink until it is
the time for the toasts to take place.

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o) Above all, be patient enough to expect quick responses.
Conclusion
From the above analysis, it could be stated that Japanese are a bit religious and they are
bounded by certain rules and standards of behavior. In order to accomplish a successful deal,
Emily must keep the above in mind. However, there are books that say a lot about the uniqueness
of Japanese custom and culture. However, there is nothing legendary or fabled about doing a
business in Japan. Business is business here just like elsewhere and it is growingly cosmopolitan
but the few general points mentioned above are worth remembering.

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References:
Dunn, C.D., 2011. Formal forms or verbal strategies? Politeness theory and Japanese business
etiquette training. Journal of Pragmatics, 43(15), pp.3643-3654.
Dunn, C.D., 2013. Speaking politely, kindly, and beautifully: Ideologies of politeness in
Japanese business etiquette training.
Islam, T., 2017. Practices of Cross-Cultural Etiquette and Communication in Global Business-A
Conceptual Analysis on Managing Corporate Expansion: A Review Study. J Bus Fin Aff, 6(280),
pp.2167-0234.
Naoko, M.A.T.S.U.D.A., Ryuichiro, T.S.U.C.H.I.Y.A., Kenta, I.K.E.U.C.H.I. and Hiroyuki,
O.K.A.M.U.R.O., 2016. Quantitative Analysis of Factors of Willingness and Preparation of
Start-ups (Japanese) (No. 16009).
Okoro, E., 2012. Cross-cultural etiquette and communication in global business: Toward a
strategic framework for managing corporate expansion. International journal of business and
management, 7(16), p.130.
Polleri, M., 2017. EXCHANGING BUSINESS CARDS IN JAPAN: Oh! So you are
an…. Anthropology Today, 33(3), pp.23-24.
Rothlin, S. and McCann, D., 2016. The Social Environment: Business Etiquette and Cultural
Sensitivity. In International Business Ethics (pp. 321-340). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
Sethi, D., 2016. Business Etiquette in China: Analysis Based on Literature Review.

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Tanaka, A. and Kleiner, B., 2015. Cross-Cultural Business Etiquette. Culture & Religion Review
Journal, 2015(1).
Terasawa, T., 2017. The contradictory effect of the ‘global’on the ‘local’: Japanese behaviour
and attitudes towards English use in local contexts. Globalisation, Societies and Education, pp.1-
12.