Japan

In the business world, it is essential to understand a cultures etiquette and way of life in order to operate professionally. The following guide will provide the necessary foundation to succeed in Japan's business culture. First things first, in order to conduct business, you must make a good first impression. Your appearance is essential to success! ====Etiquette ==== The first and sometimes most important thing to be aware of is your appearance!
 * Dress to impress! If you hold any position of power, it is necessary to make a good impression
 * Dark, conservative attire is most appropriate
 * When entering homes or places of business, you must remove your shoes frequently, so dress accordingly
 * Place little emphasis on accessories, the more conservatively dressed, the better
 * Women's dress is very important. They should always dress conservatively, wear low-heeled shoes to prevent towering over men and should never wear pants. Anything else is considered offensive
 * Be careful with your body language! Use little to no hand gestures, make subtle facial expressions, and do not do anything out of the ordinary. Many hand gestures and facial expressions can have double meanings that could potentially offend your guest.
 * Things such as blowing your nose, pointing, and using slang can all be considered offensive.

Now that you understand how to maintain your attire and your body language, it is essential to know how to behave
 * Drinking is an important part of Japanese culture, never pour your drink yourself, and never toast without a full glass
 * Paying for meals is always the duty of the host.It is okay to offer, but they will generally insist. It is not inappropriate to talk about business during dinner
 * It is rare for the Japanese to invite people into their homes, it is a great honor if you are, be very grateful
 * It is essential to learn basic Japanese phrases used during meals. It is impolite not to use them
 * Slurping your food is a sign of satisfaction and appreciation
 * Any presentation of money is inappropriate, it is never seen in public
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Tipping is not necessary!
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">They are very ceremonial! When giving gifts, it is not the gift that's important but the way in which it is presented
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">If possible, do everything in even numbers and avoid the number 4 and 14. They sound like the word "death"
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Gift giving is also a very important ceremony during visits. If you are giving your host a gift, do not surprise him with it, and always give it at the end of your visit. If receiving a gift, always recieve it with two hands, and be very appreciative
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Finally, the Japanese do not embrace public displays of affection. Contact between members of the opposite sex in public is highly frowned upon

Once you have accomplished proper behavior and appearance, you can learn how to communicate with your host


 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Anything presented to your host should be done with two hands. Any business cards should be printed with English on one side and Japanese on the other side. When presented, it should be given Japanese side up.
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Always treat anything given to you with great respect. If you are given a business card, never write on it, or even put it in your wallet. Both actions are considered disrespectful.
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Any sort of business can not be done until the card exchange is complete
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The traditional Japanese greeting is the bow, however some business men might greet you with a handshake. A strong handshake is not a sign of moral character. If you are greeted with a bow, return the bow. How low you bow is a symbol of your relationship with the other person. After the bow, give your host your business card.
 * <span style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The Japanese prefer to be referred to by their last names. Never ask to be called by your first name only.

When conducting business, it is also important to know that the Japanese are very directed. It isn't rare to be asked very personal questions such as how much money you make, or how nice your belongings are. The Japanese culture is very collective, being individualistic is the least flattering thing you can do. They avoid risks and show little value for personal freedoms. It is also important to know that as a whole Japan is very well educated. The literacy rate is near 100% while 19 of every 20 people have a high school diploma.

<span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; padding-right: 10px;">[] Visited: 3/2/11 [] De'dra Williams Visited: 3/2/11