Business Etiquette and Protocol in Japan

Nina S. Kirk

BBA1160-BSA314

Marietta Sanford

30, August 2012

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Japan

A manager from the United States with the opportunity to conduct business in Japan would have to adhere to several guidelines. Conducting business abroad is quite different form business in the United States. Knowing certain important concepts will be an advantage to any manager preparing a business venture in Japan.

The first thing to consider is the language. Since Japanese is the sixth most spoken language in the world, with over 99% of the country’s population using it, learning the language enough to understand it if speaking it is not an option is important.

Secondly, Japanese culture and society has some very specific rules. The Japanese refers to one of their customs as saving face which simply means that it is not acceptable to turn down the request of another. If a request is denied, it causes an embarrassment and “loss of face” to the other person. If something has been asked of you and the request cannot be granted you may say “it’s inconvenient” or “it’s under consideration.” In an effort to save face, do not openly criticize, insult, or put someone on the spot.

The Japanese live in a harmonious society. This principle is the guiding philosophy in business, family, and society as a whole. Japanese children are taught to act harmoniously and that working in harmony is the crucial ingredient for working productively. An emphasis is put on politeness, personal responsibility and working together for the universal rather than

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the individual good. If the Japanese disagree, they are sure to present the facts in a gentle indirect fashion.

The Japanese are group dependent. They rely on facial expression, tone of voice, and posture to let them know how someone feels. They tend to put more trust in non-verbal messages because they feel that spoken words can have a variety of meanings.

In business, as well as...