Japanese culture question?

Question

What are some cultural nuances (no-nos) one should know when "socializing and entertaining" with business clients in Japan.

Answer 1

I can only think of the things you SHOULD do....
I'm assuming this is in a dinner / drinking situation.

1) If you're drinking bottled drinks. (Usually beer) It's a sign of respect (politeness) to pour their glasses first and fill it up eveytime you notice them to be empty during the course of the meal.
Do it with both hands. (Pouring beer with only one hand is considered casual and too freindly. But this of course depends all on the person. SOme people take this seriously, some don't give a rats butt. But always better to be safe than sorry)

2) When a new dish arrives offer it to the guests before taking any yourself. (I guess this is universal)

3) Nod or show some sign of understanding every once in a while when they are talking in length. This is something I noticed between westerners and Japanese. Japanese people nodd and say "hai" (yes) many times to the speaker during a conversation. Westerners however will maybe nod once or twice but not as much as Japanese people. (It maybe just my imagination)
So I guess to show that you are really listening, nodding and showing that you are understanding will probably help them talk more.

4) Lastly, don't forget to seat them on the Kamiza.
Here's a Wiki explanation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamiza

Of course depending on the room this rule is changed. Obviously, if you're sitting in a room where there's a view but the view can only be seen from the seat closest to the door then that seat is considered the Kamiza.


----------ADD ON-----------
I agree with Curious as well.
Good pointers.
Also to add on to the business card (meishi) issue, when putting it into your pocket, don't just shove it into your back pocket (butt pocket) of your pants. This is considered rude as well.
Same with the wallet or card holder. Once you put the name cards into your wallet don't slide that wallet into your butt pocket.
If you're going to put the cards away always put it into your breast pocket of your shirt. If you don't have a breast pocket, keep it in your hands and look it over, and slide it into your pants (front) pocket when they are not looking.

Actually the best way to handle a business card situation is to put the card on your right or left hand side of the table. Somewhere that doesn't get in the way or get wet.
Also, say you're meeting with the Asst. Manager and the General Manager always line the business cards by ranking position. So place the GM's business card above the asst managers.
If say you're meeting with a Sales Manager and an Operations Manager and you don't know who has the higher rank line them up side by side.

Answer 2

I think a cultural no-no in Japan is don't spit in someones face.
or is that universal also?
just kidding, Japan has a lot of customs, you can read a hundred books and ask a hundred questions, but its not the same. The best way to learn about a culture is to go there, (if you can afford it both time-wise and financially)
Japan is a wonderful, very different place to live. Oriental culture is so different to that of Western Culture, many westerners get quite a shock with the lifestyle change.

Answer 3

one of the easiest ways I found to work for me was to tell them that I tried to read about the culture and hope that I got it right and for them to tell me if I err. sometime this will make it a joke(for them) instead of an afront. this doesn't always work - depends on the people. Business is very status orientated. You might try meeting some local businessmen from Japan for lunch and discuss this with them prior to going to Japan(this also gives you a little of practice). sorry I can't help more.

Answer 4

I totally agree with the last post (Eat my World), especially the part about keeping everyone else's drinks full and not pouring your own...someone will pour yours for you. I could add a couple of things to his list.

If using chopsticks, NEVER rub them together to get the splinters off and NEVER stand them up in your rice. This is considered very rude.

Also, always address your business clients with their last name+ san. So for example, Takahashi-san. Even if your clients drink too much and seem to become overly friendly, continue with formalities.

If you are handed a business card, accept it with both hands and before you put it in your pocket or wallet, look at it and say thank you. Meishi (business cards) in Japan are considered to be very special and are expected to be treated as such.

Answer 5

Take off your shoes when entering someone's home, or when entering a tatami (straw mat) room. Social events are often held in tatami rooms in restaurants.

In general Japanese businessmen will feel more comfortable around you if they see you drink a lot or get drunk at a social event. But of course that's your decision if you want to do that... or how much you really want that deal!

Answer 6

Everything that everybody else said, plus this could be really embarrassing. If you are socializing never cheers your friends/clients in Japan and say "chin chin" as many people may do in western places as in Japan chin chin means penis.

Answer 7

jap lifestyle is diverse, and it places emphasis on a lot of little moments that American lifestyle takes with no attention. i think of it particularly is solid if everybody is being open to different cultures to boot their very own. This incredibly isn't a situation.

Answer 8

-Remember this, when you enter one's company please ask whether if you should take off your shoe. I went to the Japanese office, I noticed people took off their shoe before entered and I did it too.
-When receive thing from others, it is better to say thank you or you can say it in Japanese. "aligato" or "domo", both of these word mean thank you. Always thanks them.
-Praying before and after the meal is a polite way. Before the meal, try to say "itadakimas" if you can. After the meal, say "gososamadeshita". If you are not sure how to speak out, be brave to ask. Hope these help you.

Answer 9

introduce yourself properly. avoid conversing with them like you've known them for years. stay humble, avoid using mean words, always bow as a sign of respect, when he's saying something you should give even a short reply like 'hai' or 'so desu ne' or 'so desu ka'...learn to adapt to their culture.