Etiquette for Japanese Business Meetings
Japan has one of the largest economies in the world, and it does a considerable amount of business with other countries when it comes to exporting automobiles and computers. International clients who plan on doing business in Japan should be aware of the business meeting etiquette to make a good impression and secure financial partnerships.
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Greetings
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The customary greeting in Japan for professionals before a business meeting is the bow. Palms should rest flat next to the thighs during the bow, and the eyes are low as an indication of respect. Bowing extremely low can be seen as a sign of inferiority; it is best for international professionals to bow in greeting as low as the host has bowed to greet them. Handshakes also are an acceptable greeting, but the handshake should not be firm, as this can be seen as too abrasive.
Business Cards
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"Meishi," the Japanese phrase for business cards, are essential for greetings and exchanging professional information. It is proper etiquette for businesspeople to give cards to each other when greeting. Each business card should contain the name of the professional as well as the full address and phone number of the company. Cards should be given and received with both hands as a sign of respect, and professionals should be sure to read business cards before putting them away. The business meeting does not begin until all business cards have been exchanged.
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Business Language
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It is not proper etiquette to use harsh or abrasive language in a Japanese business meeting. Words that sound critical or disapproving are not appropriate and will make the meeting uncomfortable. However, Japanese professionals are comfortable with direct questions, and they may ask a person's age or salary in the meeting; these questions help Japanese businesspeople become familiar with international partners. Avoiding the word "no" is also essential for Japanese meetings, as professionals in the country do not prefer to use this as an answer to professional questions. It is possible for a Japanese businessperson to answer "yes" when "no" is actually implied.
Negotiations
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Japanese professionals may take a while to reach a final decision in negotiations, so exercising patience is essential. Structure and reliability are important in Japanese business culture, so professionals will look for these traits before officially agreeing to a business partnership. Businesspeople in Japan will often close their eyes in silence during business meetings as well--this is a sign of intense concentration, and it means that the business proposal on the table is being taken seriously.
After the Business Meeting
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It is customary for professionals to have dinner with each other after a business meeting; professional matters can be discussed during the meal. Professionals are not expected to be on time for dinner, as it is acceptable etiquette to be fashionably late. The host orders the food for the table, and he is expected to pay for the meal. Some Japanese professionals may also entertain their guests at karaoke bars, which are also called hostess bars. If the invitation is extended in a business setting, businesswomen should not accept these invitations, as it is not proper etiquette for professional women to spend time in these locations.
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References
- Photo Credit Japan image by Angelika Bentin from Fotolia.com
