Businessing in Japan isn’t easy. Japan is a hyper polite society to begin with and business etiquette in Japan is on another level. This is our how to business in Hiroshima special where we turn you into a lean mean Japanese bussinessing machine.
Business Cards
In Japan, business cards or (名刺Meishi) are a big deal. Walking into a professional environment meishiless is a bad look, you might as well be wearing Crocs and a beer stained white beater. Forgetting your card in a professional environment is a sure fire way to stab yourself in the foot with a samurai sword.
And having a card on you isn’t e
nough, throwing your business cards around like you’re Gambit from X-Men isn’t going to cut it. You need to give and receive the cards like a gentlemen (or gentlelady!).
Here are five things to consider when exchanging business cards:
– The higher ranking individual is the first to give out their card
-The card is to be given facing the receiver (so it is easy to read)
-Cards are given and received with both hands
-Cards are to be displayed for the entire interaction
-The card needs to be respected, make an effort to keep the card in good condition.
When in doubt, bow
In case you haven’t noticed, Japanese people tend to bow from time to time. Any situation from a greeting to a goodbye or a display of gratitude to an apology is going to involve a lot of bowing. For a more in-depth analysis check out our Bowing Basics article here.
Drinking
In Japan, business drunk is a thing and it’s embedded into the professional culture. Japanese in-office demeanor is formal and reserved, providing little opportunity to connect with co-workers and clients on a deeper level. Relationships are forged in izakayas and alcohol fueled outings, providing Japanese people with an opportunity to let loose and connect. They call this nomunication, and like all things in civilized Japanese society, there are rules.
Kanpai!
The kanpai is mandatory. Keep you gruesome gaijin lips as far from your beer as possible until the moment of truth. When its time to kanpai, touch glasses and drink up. Pro tip: Keep your glass lower than your superiors to show respect. This is a high level veteran drinkers move.
Seating arrangements
This isn’t musical chairs kids, seating arrangements at a drinking party are not a free for all. The highest ranking member sits in the far corner seat, farthest from the exit. From there people take their place on the totem pole and sit according to rank.
Pouring Drinks
At an izakaya, drinks will likely be
provided in large communal bottles. Upon guzzling down your first drink, your now empty glass will be immediately refilled. Japanese people have developed a super human ability to identify empty glasses on a table and upon recognition will instantaneously mount a vigorous effort to keep alcohol flowing. It is your job to accept the gesture gracefully. Support your glass with one hand and hold out your glass, this is a team effort!
And make sure to return the favor to your, keep an eye on glasses which are nearly empty and keep the party going.
Professionalism in Japan is as complicated as it is rewarding. Good luck out there!
-Well mannered meishi dispenser and kanpai practitioner