We’re back at it again with our How to Business in Japan Part 2 special where we teach you to how to salary man with the best of them.
Dress Code
Japan really puts the uniform in uniformity. You are not likely to see a diversity of wardrobes in a Japanese company. Men universally wear black suits, white shirts and black shoes… Men in Black style!
Ladies are encouraged to wear:
-Dark, solid skirt suit or pants suit paired with a solid white blouse.
-Dark, closed toe court shoes with heels around 5 cm to 7 cm
-Nude sheer tights
-Modest amounts of accessories are acceptable
Follow these wardrobe blueprints and you will be equipped to infiltrate a Japanese company undetected.
Karaoke
As discussed in part 1, drinking is a critical component of Japanese business culture. My extensive immersion in Japanese drinking culture has taught me that like honing pigeons, a group of wandering salary men will often find their way to the karaoke motherland. Here are some tips in how to karaoke like a gentleman (or gentlelady)!
Don’t monopolize the mic
Similar to the phenomenon found in stoner circles, there is a ritual to the passing of the mic. Don’t interrupt the rotation and resist the unrelenting urge to select every song that pops in your inebriated Gaijin brain.
Read the Room
I don’t care how badly you want to preform you personal rendition of Bohemian rap city, if your Japanese audience wont enjoy it don’t do it. Inclusive and crowd pleasing songs are the way to go. Do your best to contribute to the rooms vibe, do not derail. As the say in Japan, be a ‘‘Mood Maker‘‘
The little things matter
Stay on your toes, danger lurks around every corner.
-Elevator:
The highest ranking people in the group are the first to enter the elevator, the lowest ranking member is to stand near the buttons and navigate the elevator to its destination.
-If offered tea, wait for the host to drink first. Avoid the appearance that you were only after the free tea.
-Avoiding Business blunders, one tip at a time.