Acceptable Public Behavior

Bows are used to express appreciation, making apologies and requests, and for greetings and farewells. They also convey respect.
The American ‘OK’ sign (thumb and forefinger in the shape of an ‘O’) means ‘money’ in Japan.
Tipping is not expected.
Do not give gifts in odd number or the number four, as odd numbers are bad luck and four sounds like the word for death in Japanese.

Business Attire

Men traditionally wear business suits in blue or gray colors with a white shirt and a dark tie. Pastel colored shirts are also common now.
You may be expected to take off your shoes in homes and temples, and even in some inn style restaurants. So, it is a good idea to wear slip-on shoes because they can easily be taken off.
It is common for many Japanese women to wear slacks, pant suits and high heels at the office.
Casual dress is never appropriate in a business setting.

When starting a conversation with a group, it is polite to speak to the eldest person in the group first.
You may be asked personal questions concerning your salary, education, and family life. If you do not want to answer, remain polite and try to step the question.
In Japan, it is considered polite to frequently say “I’m sorry”. They will apologize for being late, even if they were not late. Visitors are encouraged to incorporate these types of remarks into their conversations.
In Japan, business cards are called meishi. Japanese give and receive meishi with both hands. It should be printed in your home language on one side and Japanese on the other. Present the card with your home country language side up.

In introductions use the persons last name plus the word san which means Mr. Or Ms. The Japanese prefer to use last names. Do not request that they call you by your first name only.
In a business situation, business cannot begin until the meishi exchange process is complete.
Always be early for a meeting or appointment. Being late is an insult.

Key phrases to learn are “itadakimasu” at the beginning of dinner, and “gochisou-sama-deshita” at the end. It is polite to use these phrases and it will show that you have enjoyed the meal.
In a traditional Japanese style restaurant, your host will generally order for you…but if you are familiar with Japanese dishes, it is perfectly acceptable for you to let the host know what you like. Expressing thanks to your host after a meal is an important part of the ritual.
Never pour a drink yourself; always allow someone else to do it for you.
Let the host order the meal and pay. Business may be discussed at dinner during these events.

In Japanese business culture, bars are popular venues for business entertaining, particularly “karaoke” bars where patrons are encouraged to sing along to taped popular songs. Plan on staying until the early hours of the morning.
Do not show anger, a bad mood or other negative emotions to your business counterparts. Follow the Japanese example, and mask these feelings with a smile.
Decisions are made only within the group. Outsiders must gain acceptance from the group before they can have influence of any kind in the decision-making process.
Connections are very helpful in this country, but choose your intermediaries carefully; the Japanese will feel obligated to be loyal to them. Select someone of the same rank as the person with whom he or she will have dealings. Moreover, an intermediary should not be part of either company involved with the deal.

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