1 introduction

Business etiquette in Japan is a complex system of customs and behaviors that govern
how individuals should conduct themselves in a professional setting. Understanding
and following these customs is essential for building successful relationships and
conducting business in Japan. Japanese culture places a great emphasis on respect,
hierarchy, and harmony, and violating these principles can cause offense or damage
business relationships. Therefore, it is important to understand and follow the rules of
business etiquette in Japan in order to show respect for Japanese culture and to
establish and maintain strong business relationships. In this presentation, we will
explore the key aspects of Japanese business etiquette that are important to understand
when doing business in Japan.
2
Hierarchy, respect, and harmony play a crucial (крушел) role in Japanese business
culture. Hierarchy refers to the system where each individual occupies a particular
place according to their status and position. Differences in status and rank have a
significant influence on how people behave in a professional setting.

Respect is also highly valued in Japanese culture. It is shown through respectful

language, expressions of gratitude, and other displays of politeness. Respect also
means showing deference to someone's status, age, experience, and other qualities.

Harmony is also a key aspect of Japanese business culture. Instead of using direct
communication and confrontation, Japanese people strive for agreement and
compromise. They avoid conflicts and prefer to solve problems through peaceful
dialogue.

Understanding and respecting hierarchy, showing respect to others, and striving for
harmony are important aspects of Japanese business culture. By adhering to these
principles, you can demonstrate respect for Japanese culture and establish successful
business relationships with Japanese partners.

3 bowing
Bowing is an essential aspect of Japanese culture, and it is a common gesture used in
various situations, including business settings. It is a sign of respect, gratitude, and
apology. In Japanese culture, bowing is considered more important than a handshake,
which is a common greeting in Western cultures.
 When to bow: Bowing is appropriate in many situations, including greeting someone,
expressing gratitude, apologizing, and showing respect to someone with a higher
status or position. In a business setting, bowing is commonly used during
introductions, at the beginning and end of meetings, and when expressing
appreciation or apologizing for a mistake.

How to bow: Bowing is done by bending the upper body from the waist while
keeping the back straight. The hands should be placed at the sides, and the eyes
should be lowered. The depth of the bow depends on the situation and the person
being bowed to. A slight nod of the head may be appropriate in informal situations.

4. types

Different types of bows: There are different types of bows in Japanese culture, and the
depth and length of the bow depend on the situation and the person being bowed to.
The most common types of bows are:

1. Eshaku: This is a bow of about 15 degrees and is used in informal situations, such as
when greeting friends or colleagues.
2. Keirei: This is a bow of about 30 degrees and is used in formal situations, such as
when greeting business associates or customers.
3. Saikeirei: This is a bow of about 45 degrees and is used to show deep respect, such as
when apologizing for a mistake or expressing gratitude to a senior colleague or
superior.

In conclusion, bowing is an essential part of Japanese culture and is used to show

respect, gratitude, and apology. Understanding when and how to bow and the
different types of bows can help foreigners navigate Japanese culture and build
successful business relationships with Japanese partners.

5
Exchanging business cards, or "meishi" in Japanese, is a crucial part of Japanese
business culture. It is considered a way to introduce oneself and establish a
professional relationship. In Japan, a business card is viewed as an extension of the
individual, so it is important to handle them with respect and care.

When presenting a business card, it is recommended to use both hands to offer it to

the recipient, with the text facing towards them. The card should be held with the
thumbs on the bottom and the index and middle fingers on the top. This gesture
(джешче) shows respect and politeness towards the recipient. It is also important to
bow slightly when presenting and receiving the card, as this is a common practice in
Japanese culture.

After receiving a business card, it is customary to take a moment to examine it

carefully and acknowledge the person's name and title. The card should be placed on
the table or in a card holder, and not immediately put away in a wallet or pocket. It is
considered impolite to write on or damage a business card, as it reflects disrespect
towards the person who presented it.

In Japanese culture, exchanging business cards is seen as a formal introduction and a

way to establish trust and respect. Therefore, it is important to have a good supply of
clean, high-quality business cards that accurately represent oneself and their company.
It is also important to take the time to carefully present and receive each business card
with respect and politeness. By following these practices, one can demonstrate their
understanding and appreciation for Japanese business culture, which can lead to
successful and respectful professional relationships.
6.

In Japanese business culture, it is important to dress conservatively and professionally

for business meetings and events. Men should wear dark suits with white shirts and
conservative ties. Women should also wear conservative attire such as a skirt or dress
with a jacket. It is important to avoid bright colors or flashy accessories, as they may
be considered distracting or inappropriate.

In some cases, traditional Japanese attire such as a kimono or yukata may be

appropriate for certain events. However, it is important to seek guidance from a local
expert or host to ensure that the appropriate attire is worn for each specific occasion.
It is also important to note that traditional attire should be worn with respect and
cultural sensitivity.
7.
Gift giving is an important aspect of Japanese business culture and is seen as a way to
build and strengthen business relationships. In Japan, gifts are exchanged for various
occasions, such as the start of a new business relationship, the conclusion of a
successful project, or as a token of appreciation for a business partner or colleague.
When giving a gift, it is important to consider the recipient's position and status, as
well as the occasion. Gifts should be of high quality and reflect the giver's sincerity
and appreciation for the recipient. Some popular gifts include high-quality food items,
such as fruit, sweets, and tea, as well as luxury items like branded pens, watches, or
accessories. When presenting a gift, it is customary to wrap it in high-quality
wrapping paper and include a card with a personal message expressing gratitude or
appreciation. Gifts should be presented with both hands and a slight bow, and the
 recipient should also receive the gift with both hands and a bow. It is important to
note that in Japanese culture, gifts are often reciprocated, and the value of the gift
given may influence the perceived value of the business relationship. Therefore, it is
essential to be mindful of gift-giving practices and etiquette when doing business in
Japan.
8.
Seating arrangements are crucial in Japanese business culture and are often
determined by the participants' relative status and hierarchy. The most senior person is
typically seated in the center of the room, with the second most senior person sitting
to their right, and the third most senior person to their left.

When entering a room, it is essential to pay attention to the seating arrangements and
wait for guidance from the host. If there is no designated seating arrangement, it is
appropriate to wait for the most senior person to take a seat before sitting down
yourself.

In addition to hierarchy, seating arrangements may also be influenced by the purpose

of the meeting or the nature of the relationship between the participants. For example,
if the meeting is between two companies, the participants may be seated facing each
other.

Overall, seating arrangements play an important role in Japanese business culture and
can help demonstrate respect and understanding of the culture's values and traditions.

9.
Dining etiquette is highly valued in Japanese business culture and can play a
significant role in building and strengthening business relationships. Here are some
important points to keep in mind:

1. Use of chopsticks: In Japan, chopsticks are the primary utensils (ютенсілс) used
during meals. It is essential to use chopsticks correctly, such as not sticking them
upright in a bowl of rice, as this is considered impolite and reminiscent of funeral
offerings. Also, it is not polite to pass food directly from chopsticks to chopsticks.
2. Proper way to pour drinks: When pouring drinks, it is customary to pour for others
rather than yourself. It is also polite to hold the bottle or jug with both hands when
pouring for others.
3. How to show appreciation for the meal: After finishing the meal, it is customary to
say "Gochisousama deshita," which roughly translates to "Thank you for the meal."
 This expression shows appreciation to the host for providing the meal and the effort
that went into preparing it.
4. Use of napkins: In Japan, it is common to use a small towel called an "oshibori" to
clean your hands before the meal. During the meal, it is customary to use a napkin to
wipe your mouth and hands.
5. Drinking etiquette: When drinking alcohol, it is essential to be mindful of your limits
and avoid getting drunk. Drinking too much can be seen as a sign of disrespect and
can damage business relationships.

Overall, following proper dining etiquette can demonstrate respect for Japanese
business culture and show that you are serious about building strong business
relationships.

10.
Foreigners doing business in Japan may inadvertently commit cultural faux pas (фьо
па) that can damage their business relationships. Some common mistakes include:

1. Being too direct: Japanese culture values harmony and indirect communication.
Foreigners who are too direct or blunt may come across as rude or confrontational,
causing discomfort and potentially damaging the relationship.
2. Not showing enough respect: In Japan, respect is shown through actions such as
bowing, using proper titles, and showing deference to elders and superiors. Foreigners
who fail to show enough respect may be seen as arrogant or disrespectful.
3. Not following proper etiquette: Japanese business etiquette includes many customs,
such as gift-giving, seating arrangements, and dining etiquette. Foreigners who are
unfamiliar with these customs may unintentionally offend their hosts.
4. Ignoring hierarchy: Japan has a strong hierarchical culture, and it is important to
understand and respect the relative positions of individuals in a business setting.
Failure (фейлиа) to do so can result in a loss of face for the individuals involved and
damage to the business relationship.
5. Not understanding non-verbal communication: In Japan, non-verbal communication
such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language is often used to convey
meaning. Foreigners who are not attuned to these nuances may misunderstand or
misinterpret their Japanese counterparts.

Overall, it is essential to do research and understand Japanese business culture before

conducting business in Japan. By respecting and following cultural customs and
etiquette, foreigners can build strong business relationships and achieve success in the
Japanese market.
11.
In conclusion, understanding and following Japanese business etiquette is essential for
anyone doing business in Japan. Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect,
hierarchy, and formality, and failing to follow proper etiquette can be seen as
disrespectful or even offensive. From gift-giving to dining etiquette, seating
arrangements to communication style, there are many nuances to Japanese business
culture that may be unfamiliar to foreigners. However, by taking the time to learn and
follow these practices, you can demonstrate your respect for Japanese culture and
build stronger business relationships. Ultimately, the key to success in Japanese
business culture is to approach every interaction with a willingness to learn and adapt.
By showing respect and humility, and by following proper etiquette, you can build
trust and rapport with your Japanese colleagues and partners, and set yourself up for
success in the long term.