Once you are in Japan and start interacting with more people on a professional level, whether within your own company or outside, there are many things to get accustomed to.
As we covered in our previous article, politeness and respect form the backbone of Japanese culture, especially within the business sphere. Understanding and practicing Japanese business etiquette is key to making a positive impression. Here’s a short introductory guide to help you navigate these customs effectively with more in-depth guidance.
1. The Art of Greeting and Bowing
In Japan, greetings and bowing are fundamental aspects of communication, particularly in business contexts. The depth and style of your bow convey different levels of respect:
- 会釈 (Eshaku): A slight bow at a fifteen-degree angle, used for greeting colleagues.
- 敬礼 (Keirei): A deeper bow at a thirty-degree angle, suitable for clients, expressing gratitude, or making apologies.
- 最敬礼 (Saikeirei): The deepest bow at a forty-five-degree angle, reserved for the most important people and formal apologies.
2. The Importance of Exchanging Business Cards (名刺, Meishi)
In Japan, business cards are seen as an extension of one’s identity and must be handled with care and respect. When meeting someone for the first time, particularly from another company, it’s customary to exchange business cards. Here are some key points:
- Present your card with both hands.
- Receive the card with both hands, showing appreciation.
- Take a moment to read the card, do not put it away immediately. If you are attending a meeting, it’s custom to place the card on the table (in a specific order if there is more than one card, corresponding to how everyone is seated) and put it away only once the meeting has ended.
3. The Necessity of Mastering Keigo (Honorific Language)
Proper use of honorific language, or 敬語 (Keigo), is a critical aspect of Japanese business etiquette. There are three forms of respectful speech:
- 丁寧語 (Teineigo): Polite language.
- 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo): Respectful language.
- 謙譲語 (Kenjōgo): Humble language.
Using the correct form depending on the situation and the person you’re speaking to is essential to convey respect and professionalism. Luckily, in recent years, the unwritten rules around keigo for non-Japanese have been less strict, yet this would go a long way to leave a good impression and show respect towards your counterparts, whether colleagues or someone from another company.
4. Effective Communication with Coworkers
In interactions with colleagues, 丁寧語 (Teineigo) is typically sufficient if they are of similar age or job position or if they are subordinates. Here are some useful phrases for workplace communication that you wil have to master (which shall be done easily enough once you get to use them on a daily basis, several times a day):
- “Good Morning” – おはようございます (ohayō gozaimasu)
- “Hello” – こんにちは (konnichiwa)
- “Good Evening” – こんばんは (konbanwa)
- “Goodbye” – おさきに しつれいします (Osakini shitsurei shimasu) – When leaving the office before colleagues.
- “Goodbye” – おつかれさまでした (Ostukaresama deshita) – When colleagues leave before you.
- “Please” – どうぞ (Dōzo)
- “Thanks” – どうも (Dōmo)
- “Thank You” – ありがとうございます (Arigatō gozaimasu)
- “No worries/You’re welcome” – いいえ (Iie)
- “I’m sorry/Excuse me” – すみません (Sumimasen)
5. Dining Etiquette
Dining with colleagues is an excellent way to build relationships outside of work. Familiarize yourself with these 2 phrases to show your respect for Japanese culture:
- “Thank you for this food” – いただきます (Itadakimasu) – Said before eating.
- “Thank you for that food” – ごちそうさまでした (Gochisōsama deshita) – Said after finishing a meal.
Conclusion
First impressions are crucial in Japanese business culture. Mastering these essentials will help you introduce yourself effectively and begin customizing your interactions as you learn more Japanese business phrases. Consistent politeness and respect will pave the way for successful business relationships in Japan.
