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← Japanese etiquette

Occasions · Culture · Manners in Japan

Business etiquette

Japanese business culture rewards punctuality, preparation and respect for hierarchy. The first meeting often centres on exchanging business cards, and decisions are often reached through discussion beforehand, not in the meeting itself.

First step
Exchange business cards (meishi)
Timing
Arrive 5–10 minutes early
Dress
Conservative, following the company

Do

  • Bring plenty of business cards and present yours with both hands, with the text facing the other person.
  • Receive a card with both hands, read it, and place it on the table in front of you during the meeting.
  • Arrive on time, ideally 5–10 minutes early, and contact them if you will be late.
  • Greet with "yoroshiku onegai shimasu" and a small bow, and use -san with names.
  • Send a thank-you email after the meeting.

Avoid

  • Do not write on a card, fold it or put it in a back pocket. Use a card case.
  • Do not expect a decision in a first meeting.
  • Do not take the best seat. Wait to be shown where to sit.
  • Do not start drinking before everyone has a glass and the toast (kanpai) is done.

Meishi: business cards

The exchange of business cards (meishi) opens most meetings. Stand, hold your card with both hands at chest height with your name facing the other person, and say your name and company with a small bow. Receive theirs with both hands, read it carefully, and keep it in front of you on the table during the meeting, in the order of the seating. Put it in your card case when you leave, not in your pocket.

If you work with Japanese companies, a card printed in Japanese on one side and your language on the other is standard.

Meetings, seating and decisions

Be on time. Seating follows rank: the most senior guest sits farthest from the door (kamiza), and the host nearest it. Wait to be shown your seat. In meetings, "sō desu ne" ("that is so") often means that someone is listening, not that they agree.

Decisions are often built through discussion before the formal meeting (nemawashi, "preparing the roots") and by circulating a proposal for approval (ringi). Be patient, send agendas and documents in advance, and follow up politely.

After work: nomikai

Drinking parties (nomikai) are a common way to build relationships. The first drink is often beer ordered for the whole table, and the toast is made before anyone drinks. Pour for others and let them pour for you. Attendance is not always required, and non-drinkers can order tea.

Everyday office habits

Greet colleagues in the morning with ohayō gozaimasu, and say osaki ni shitsurei shimasu when you leave before others. The senior-junior relationship (senpai and kōhai) shapes how people speak. In summer, many offices ask staff to dress lightly under the "Cool Biz" campaign.

Good to know

  • Have your business card translated and printed with Japanese on one side.
  • Prepare well. Surprises in meetings are not welcome.
  • If you are not sure of the dress code, ask your contact.
  • Remember to send thanks, and keep a note of whom you met.

Words you will hear

名刺 meishi
business card
根回し nemawashi
groundwork before a decision
稟議 ringi
circulating a proposal for approval
飲み会 nomikai
drinking party
上座 kamiza
the seat of honour
お疲れ様です otsukaresama desu
greeting between colleagues

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See also

General business practice in Japan. Start-ups and foreign firms are often more relaxed. Customs vary by region, place and family, and they change over time. When in doubt, follow the signs, watch what others do, or ask politely. Being polite and trying matters more than getting every detail right.