Japanese Business Etiquette

A recent news report from the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil spoke about Japanese fans cleaning up the stadium after Japan’s match with Ivory Coast which, incidentally, their team had lost. Most people were taken by surprise, and referred to it as a shining example for fans from other countries to follow. For the Japanese, though, it was nothing out of the ordinary – back in Japan, fans are guided by a sense of duty to clean up after themselves at sporting events.

What are some of the word associations that come to your mind when you think of the Japanese? Were “honest”, “punctual”, “disciplined”, “hard working” and “polite” some of them? We are guessing so! If you have interacted with Japanese businesses or worked in Japan, perhaps “detail oriented”, “hierarchical” or “slow to take decisions” came to mind as well?

 

Japanese Business Etiquette

If you are thinking of doing business with the Japanese, it makes sense to invest in obtaining an understanding of the Japanese culture which is beyond superficial. A sensitivity towards Japanese business etiquette will not only be appreciated by your business partners, but can increase your chances of building a successful business relationship with one of the most industrious people in the world.

Easier said than done, however, because the Japanese culture is one of the most intricate and ritualized in the modern world. The Japanese style of communication is often compared with an iceberg in that 90% of the substance is actually beneath the surface, invisible to the untrained eye.  In fact, what is being said can often be the opposite of what is meant. This may not reflect dishonesty, but just a desire to maintain harmony and keep “face”. For example, because Japanese businessmen often find it difficult to issue a direct refusal, they may rely on phrases such as “chotto muzukashii desu ne” which literally means “it’s difficult” but in fact means the person would like to say no!

How you greet people, how you exchange cards and the order in which you address people gathered in a meeting – all need an appreciation of Japanese business etiquette. For example, the preferred form of greeting in Japan is a bow, not a handshake. Sounds easy, but even executing a simple bow can have many nuances. A bow can be used to display a wide range of emotions – from an apology to a welcome – and the style, depth and duration of a bow need to be varied by the relative stature of the person being addressed and the emotion being expressed.

Similarly, exchanging cards in Japan can be a ritual and guided by several rules (one of these rules: don’t stuff a business card into your wallet or pocket immediately on receiving it! Study it respectfully before placing it on top of your wallet, or on the table in front of you.)

iRikai delivers custom designed courses that can help you pick up nuances of doing business in Japan. Our courses cover an overview of the country, the people and their culture, business etiquette, body language, dining etiquette, negotiation best practices and case studies to demonstrate what works and what doesn’t.

Please visit http://irikai.com/Japanese-Business-Etiquette.php or email us at learning@irikai.com or call us on +91 9873 873 006 for a consultation on your needs.