Business Etiquette: Being a successful Representative of your company in Japan

Today Etiquette By Evelyn takes us internationally to Japan. Straight from Japan, a snapshot of facts, and customs, with words to follow tomorrow to practice. It goes a long way in business and personal etiquette to show you have taken the time to learn some of their customs and languages. Armed with the proper business etiquette, you will assure yourself and your company that successful representation in a competitive world. Today a snapshot of information and tomorrow some phrases to help you accomplish that.

In Japan, the family is the number one priority. Children are taught from the beginning to have responsibility and obligation to the family. Age puts the older individual at a higher status. Shinto and Buddism are most practiced. Education is free, and their literacy rate is 99%. Japanese work longer hours than Americans do, but most do not work on weekends. Do not eat or drink while walking in public. Chopsticks are used for eating. Instead of napkins, guess will be offered a hot towel for wiping your hands. Leaving food on your plate is considered rude. Food specialties include Sushimi, Sushi, both raw seafood or vegetables wrapped in seaweed, tempura-deep fried seafood and veggies, and fugu, a blowfish, and should only be consumed by a licensed chef since it can be toxic. Please remove your shoes in restaurants, homes, or other places where a sign will indicate it. Tipping in restaurants is not a custom and can be refused. Wait until you are introduced. In Japan, it is rude to introduce yourself. When possible, wait to be introduced in formal and informal settings. Doing so demonstrates that you understand your status in relation to the status of those around you. Refrain from extending your hand. While accepted and expected in Western nations, it is not a standard part of the Japanese tradition.