The Small Business Times

Tips for Business Success in Japan

Doing business in Japan is a daunting prospect for anyone from a different culture. However, the good news is that some fairly simple tips can help you assimilate quickly. If you’re traveling to Japan for work, the following are the most important points.

Learn the Language and Culture

This is one of the first steps to take before carrying out business in any foreign country, but it’s fair to say that it feels more challenging with the Japanese. This language is generally ranked alongside Mandarin Chinese and Arabic in the toughest languages for English speakers to pick up.

Nonetheless, it’s worth attempting at least to pick up some basic proficiency, even if that’s only applicable in a conversational, casual environment like a business lunch with colleagues.

The best way to start your learning journey is to look online for Japanese classes near you, as you’ll find hundreds of tutors offering online classes for students of all ages and levels.

You can filter the different details of the tutors’ backgrounds so that you find one that suits you perfectly, in addition, you can learn at a time and place of your convenience, which ensures that you don’t have to worry about attending physical classes in and among your work schedule.

As mentioned earlier, if you’re only going to carry out a few business meetings with Japanese colleagues or customers, you might want to simply pick up the basics for introducing yourself and making some polite but very limited conversation. On the other hand, if this is the start of a new chapter in your business career, you’ll probably want to delve deeper and learn more.

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The same applies when it comes to finding out about Japanese traditions. This is a fascinating culture with a long and unique history, but if you’re simply preparing for a few meetings you don’t need to worry about learning too much. 

Understand Business Etiquette

Wherever you go in the world, you’ll find different types of business etiquette that come naturally to the locals but that you’ll need to learn and practice. For example, people in Japan normally bow rather than shake hands or hug when meeting people.

A bow when you meet and another when you say goodbye is the safest way of causing a good impression. However, you should bear in mind that the deeper you bow the more respect this represents, so the age and position of the person you’re meeting have to be taken into account.

Even if you’re more used to gaining contacts on LinkedIn, you’ll also want to take a good supply of business cards with you, as you’ll be expected to give one to everyone you meet in a business capacity. Getting the content translated into Japanese for the reverse of your cards is always a sensible move.

The act of handing over a business card is also something to be careful with. You should hold it with both hands, using your thumbs and index fingers while letting the other person see the details as you present it to them. Don’t just hand it over casually with a single hand or you could cause a poor impression.

Be Careful with Your Shoes

Your footwear is one of the issues that you might not think about: the key point here is that it’s common for people to remove their shoes several times each day in different settings and circumstances. This is done to keep the floor clean and is usually done before sitting down to eat.

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You might also be requested to take your shoes off before entering the likes of restaurants and any type of historic building. This means that you need to wear shoes that you can slip on and off easily at any time, as well as make sure to pack enough socks.

You should also bear in mind that once you take off your shoes they should be left facing the door. You might be offered a pair of slippers once you’ve taken off your shoes. If this is the case, you need to take the slippers off before you step on any tatami mats.

Be Ready to Enjoy Eating and Drinking

The idea of eating and drinking with business colleagues and clients is a big part of Japanese culture. You can expect to enjoy several trips to a restaurant or other place where food and drink are served.

If you’re handed a hot or cold towel before the food is served, this is for cleaning your hands but you shouldn’t use it on your face. After cleaning your hands,roll the towel up or fold it before putting it on the table.   

With the help of these tips, you should have less fear about attending business meetings in Japan, which should allow you to relax and enjoy the experience more.