If you are working abroad in Japan, you may encounter some challenges when it comes to addressing your business partners in meetings. The Japanese culture is very formal and respectful, and it has specific rules for using honorifics, titles, and names. Here are some tips to help you communicate with your Japanese counterparts in a polite and professional manner.
One of the most important aspects of Japanese business etiquette is to acknowledge the hierarchy and seniority of your interlocutors. You should always address the highest-ranking person first, and use their full name and title, such as Tanaka-san (Mr. Tanaka) or Suzuki-shachou (President Suzuki). You should also avoid using first names or nicknames, unless you have a close and long-standing relationship with the person. Additionally, you should never call someone by their position alone, such as "manager" or "director", as this is considered rude and impersonal.
Addressing Japanese business partners in meetings requires a certain level of respect and understanding of Japanese culture and business etiquette. Here are some tips on how to address them: - Use Honorific - Use Last Names (followed by the honorific "San") - Be Mindful of Seniority - Use Formal Language - Bowing - Exchange Business Cards - Addressing Groups - Use Proper Titles - Listen Actively: - Express Gratitude.
Another key element of Japanese business etiquette is to use honorifics, which are suffixes that indicate the level of respect and formality you have for someone. The most common honorific is -san, which can be used for anyone, regardless of gender, age, or rank. However, there are other honorifics that you may encounter in business settings, such as -sama, which is used for very important or esteemed customers or clients; -kun, which is used for male subordinates or colleagues; -chan, which is used for female subordinates or colleagues; and -senpai, which is used for senior or experienced colleagues. You should always follow the lead of your Japanese counterparts and use the appropriate honorific for each person.
When addressing your Japanese business partners in meetings, you should also be humble and courteous, and avoid boasting or being too direct. You should use expressions such as sumimasen (excuse me) or onegaishimasu (please) when making requests or asking questions, and arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) or otsukaresama desu (you must be tired) when expressing gratitude or appreciation. You should also use honorific language, such as keigo, which is a polite and respectful way of speaking that shows deference and humility. For example, you should use the verb itadaku (to receive) instead of morau (to get) when talking about what you have received from someone, or the verb mousu (to say) instead of iu (to say) when talking about what you have said to someone.
There are different levels of politeness in the Japanese language and the most advisable form is "Keigo". If the meeting is being held in English, a formal version of the language would be ideal. However, with the English language often being a much more direct language than Japanese, it is advisable to use inviting phrases. Equivalent forms in English would be "do you think it would be wise to...", "based on your experience, what would you suggest we...". This ensures that your Japanese counterparty feels heard and respected, which is a huge part of a successful business meeting or negotiation.
Finally, you should learn some basic greetings and phrases that can help you break the ice and build rapport with your Japanese business partners in meetings. For example, you should greet them with ohayou gozaimasu (good morning), konnichiwa (good afternoon), or konbanwa (good evening), depending on the time of day. You should also end the meeting with otsukaresama desu (you must be tired) or osewa ni narimashita (thank you for your cooperation). Additionally, you should learn some common phrases that can show your interest and enthusiasm, such as hai (yes), sou desu ne (that's right), or naruhodo (I see).
By following these tips, you can address your Japanese business partners in meetings with confidence and respect, and foster a positive and productive relationship with them.
Japanese are also not a fan of being physically touched so unless they initiate a handshake avoid it and just bow down instead
Business Cards: Exchanging business cards (meishi) is a significant ritual in Japanese business culture. Offer and receive business cards with both hands, and take a moment to look at the card before putting it away, as this shows respect for the person.