Comparing the American business culture and Japanese business culture

Among the countries in the globe, Japan has been known for its different yet special business culture. All businessmen who are going business trip to Japan for the first time must go for business lecture. This is to prepare them with basic Japanese’s business culture. Failure of understanding the culture may cause the dismissal of negotiation between the Japanese. In fact, even if you did make some mistakes, it is still permissible and the Japanese will not confront you in the face. The differences between the Japanese and the American are;-

1.      Business suits

Japanese businessmen usually wore more conservative suits and neckties. Going for work or meeting their clients, they prefer wearing dark suits of navy blue, dark grey or brown. According to Japanese business culture, it is a must for one to fasten the high button of his suits before greeting someone for the first time, meeting his superior or elderly. However they are allowed to unbutton it once they are seated. But if the elderly came to talk to him when he is sitting, he has to fasten that button first, before standing up in order to talk. For women, they should wear only long shirt and trousers suits following the color that men wear. Besides, short skirts and pants are never to be worn. High heels are also not advisable as it seems informal. According to Japanese culture, one’s attire is linked to ones corporates status. Therefore, one must pay more attention on the attire as to give a good impression. For American, business attire will be more lenient. You can wear anything you want as long as it is formal. But wearing a grey business suits may give a confident appearance.

2.      Business cards

For Japanese, in term of business cards, it has a lot more practices that one has to abide than American. In japan, a business negotiation must be started with exchanging business cards. Business cards are called “meishi” in Japanese. While exchanging business cards, one must not take much time searching for business card, thus making your counterpart wait. Having a Japanese bilingual business card is a must for those going to Japan for business trip. The 2-side business card must have Japanese and English on each side of it. When you are giving out the business card, remember using both of your hand and the Japanese language side facing forward, at the same time bowing down slightly. This indicates humility and politeness as well as courtesy. This same goes while accepting business cards. Giving or accepting business card with one hand will be considered as very rude to the Japanese. It give the impression that you are not keen in giving nor accepting business cards. After accepting the business cards, you have to keep all of it in a case or a special compartment to show a kind of respect. Never ever write notes on a Japanese business card. However, it is also consider rude if you keep the business card straight away without studying it. You should take note of the name of the businessman, title, name of company, address and telephone number. But for the American, they do exchange business cards but they do not have ritual or right way of doing it.

3.      Meeting etiquette

Having meeting with Japanese, you are supposed to be there at least 10 minutes earlier. Before starting a meeting, it is a must to bow before shaking hands. In Japanese business etiquette, sitting position is also very crucial as they reflect the status. The highest status person will be sitting furthest at the table. Never be the first to sit, always waited to be seated. Along the meeting, it is advisable to make some notes so that you will remember the discussion. You will look attentive and show the Japanese that this meeting is important to you. One of the most important thing is you have to be careful on what you had promised. This is because the Japanese will be also taking notes and they will recall it when needed. Furthermore, Japanese hate people who broke promises. Therefore, don’t promise anything to the Japanese if you are not 100% confident. Other than that, Japanese usually don’t discuss their work during the meeting, which is what American usually did. The main purpose of meeting for them was just reporting their work progress. This is why the Japanese has been known for being efficient in their work.  

4.      Introduction

When you are introducing Japanese, remember using the last name and not the first name. Using the first name will be considered as rude by the Japanese. The proper title to use in Japanese is San, which is the same as “Mr. or Mrs.” used by American. As an example, Sumisu San (Mr. Smith)