Business Etiquette in Japan

ATTIRE

Your attire can impact whether you become employed or not. This world demands perfection, and the people in it must wear clothes that show excellence. Make sure your clothes are of high quality. “For men wear dark suits (navy or black) with white shirt and subdued tie from October - April and gray suit from May – September,” Venture advises. Men in Japan almost always equip themselves with short sleeve shirts during summer because of how sultry Japan is; they also usually have slim classy haircuts. Kwintessential forewarn of the difficulties women may face in Japan; “Women - although not so much an aspect of Japanese business etiquette as of culture, many Japanese men do not relate easily to women with authority in business and that can present problems for women executives from the US and Europe.” It is advisable for females to have their hair cut above the shoulder or back in a bun, trouser suits or longer skirt suits with colors that reflect the time of the year. Ladies from Japan are infatuated with clothes and wear popular, trendy clothing to and from work. Japanese companies disapprove of their female employees from wearing short skirts, high-heeled shoes, and expensive diamonds or a lot of flashy trinkets that Western women are so used to.

BOWING

Bowing is used in Japan instead of the western style handshake. Some Japanese bow and shake hands. A Japanese handshake is quite irregular compared to those in the West, it is usually weak with little or no eye contact. On the other hand the bow is a highly ritualized greeting to show respect and is valued by the Japanese. A slight bow to show courtesy is acceptable. The bow can mean different things ranging from thank you, pardon me, or I am sorry. Bows are also used as an ice breaker to conversations and to acknowledge someone’s presence. Even if you don’t initiate a bow, always remember to return one. The Japan Tourism Agency explains the differences between men and women bowing: “When bowing make sure you bow with a straight back and eyes cast downward. Men have their hands at their sides. Women have their hands in front. Once again if someone bows to you, you return the gesture. To keep it straightforward and to avoid disrespect, bow slightly longer and slightly deeper than the other.