Working in Japan is like working on another planet, and not knowing business manners and etiquette in Japan is like going into space without a spacesuit!
If you’re an astronaut exploring this unfamiliar landscape, Let Meiji Internships be your mission control, and guide you through a successful mission. Let’s take a look at the rules!
Rule 1: Be Earlier than Early
Japanese culture places heavy importance on being ready and on time.
Being on time is late, and being early is on time. Sounds strange, but arriving early shows that you are reliable and responsible in Japanese culture.
To be ready, have any business cards or necessary documents printed out ahead of time. Again this also shows reliability and responsibility!
Rule 2: Bow, Respect is Everything
Although bowing is the most commonly known Japanese mannerism, people still make mistakes.
A bow can be operational in many scenarios, such as a greeting, apology, or to show respect.
The angle of your bow can also reflect your politeness and respect. The 15-degree bow is casual and informal. The 30-45 degree bow is formal and used in business settings.
The 30-45 degree bow is also usually held for a couple of seconds. The general rule for bowing is to mimic; if they bow for an hour, you bow for an hour.
Any bow around 90 degrees is usually for apologies, so hopefully, you won’t have to perform this bow!
Rule 3: Show Me Your Business Card and I’ll Show You Your Soul
What seems to be an archaic system in the west is a thriving system in Japan!
In Japan, you should treat someone’s business card like your baby.
When accepting and receiving a business card, use two hands, followed by a short bow. Then store the card in a cardholder.
If handed one during a meeting, leave the card on the table, then once the meeting concludes, put the card away safely.
When it comes to card trading (not Pokemon Cards) the hierarchy system plays a huge role. For instance, the Senior Officers will hand their cards out first, descending to the most junior person.
Rule 4: Hierarchy, In Other Words Being Old is Cool
Unlike most places, it pays to be old in Japan!
Usually, the oldest male will be the highest in the hierarchy, but if that isn’t the case, it will be the Senior Official.
How does the hierarchy play out?
When a taxi is needed, the most junior person will be the one to call the taxi, and sit in the front and help navigate, while the person higher up on the hierarchy will sit in the back.
Again, when it comes to introductions, the person with the higher status in the hierarchy will go first.
Rule 5: Musical Chairs for Adults
Although it may seem ridiculous, there are rules for where and when to sit during a meeting. You can think of it as musical chairs, but you want to sit last!
If you are the guest, only sit after the host does or if directed to your seat by the host. If you’re the host, do the inverse of said rule.
For where to sit, the guest will always sit farthest from the door. This was due to Ninja attacks being a frequent thing in the past. Since we live in the modern era, you don’t have to worry about being attacked by Ninja!
Ready for Takeoff?
The overall rule list is not short, we could probably write a short novel! There is much more to learn about business manners and etiquette in Japan!
With the help of Meiji Internships, not only will you be able to learn even more about the business culture, but you’ll experience it firsthand.
Apply now and kickstart your future career in the global competitive market!
Not a fan of rules? Check out Indonesia 😉
