Whether it's the workplace or anywhere in Japan, being polite is the foremost thing. In situations where you need to talk or discuss things with your seniors or manager, you have to be polite. Being polite to the youngest person or the junior at the workplace means you are respecting that person.
Be punctual
Japanese people respect others' time & they are very punctual. If you want to work in a Japanese company anywhere or in Japan, you will have to follow the given timings. In Japan, arriving 10 minutes prior is considered normal & respectful. Being on time or early to the meeting or any place is a good trait that is ideal for making a good impression. It helps to build a healthy & reliable relation for business.
Business cards play an essential role when we talk about business manners. The order of giving the business cards starts with the most senior person to the most junior. Business cards are called “Meishi” in Japanese. Few important things that you need to know are as follows:
The business cards are given & received with two hands. While giving & receiving the cards, Japanese people bow a little. After receiving the card, it is usually placed on the table first instead of keeping it inside. It is a good habit since it helps to remember the name & title of the person. Incorporating all these things at the workplace shows a good personality & manners. The custom of exchanging business cards with one hand & receiving it with another hand at the same time is also practiced in Japan.
Greetings
We all are aware of the richness of Japanese culture. Japanese people at the time of greeting don't shake a hand, but a bow. It is more unusual than the western culture of doing handshakes. If the other person voluntarily uses the handshake for greeting, it is fine if you do the same. Slight bowing is also considered a good sign. It is not always about perfection but politeness & manners.
Let’s learn some basic greetings that come in handy at the workplace or business -
Good morning - Ohayou Gozaimasu
Hello (on phone ) - Moshi Moshi
Thank you for the help - Arigatou Gozaimasu, Otsukaresama deshita, O sewa ni narimashita
Sorry to disturb you - Shitsureishimasu / shitsureiitashilasu
Be prepared
Japanese people are well prepared for their business meetings, right from the required documents to the business cards. They are very organized to keep the important things neatly. In the case of printed documents, it is considered ideal to provide a copy for everyone who is a part of the meeting.
Wait for the seat
In Japan, it is considered rude if you sit before the host, boss, or before being directed by someone. Guests or clients are advised to sit far from the entrance door to have the least disturbance when someone comes & goes. In the conference room (Kaigishitsu), wait for the designated seat. If there are no designated seats, wait for the instructions.
Business attire
Japanese business attire is the same as that of European countries. In Japan, people at work generally wear dark-colored suits like black or navy blue. During the winter season, one has to take off the jacket & coat outside the office before any conference or presentation.
Bowing
Bowing is Japan’s most common cultural aspect depicting respect for others. There are types of bowing depending on the situation. During greeting someone, normal slight bowing is accepted. At the time of business meetings, presentations, Japanese people bow a little more & hold it for a couple of seconds compared to a slight bowing.
Building relations
The business culture in Japan focuses mainly on relationships. Learning & implementing the Japanese etiquettes & other values such as their modesty, being polite, and so on are the things that are the building blocks. Once the trust is built, Japanese people won’t mind proceeding with the business deals.
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