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Japanese Cultural Tips
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Business Cards
 The exchange of business cards, or meishi, is very meaningful to the Japanese. Carry an ample supply -- you might consider a minimum of 25 per day! Present your card by holding it with both thumb and forefinger of each hand and with a slight bow. Do the same when accepting the card, and then be sure to read it before your put it away. Use a high-quality case.
Using an Interpreter
 It is critical to form a trusting relationship with your interpreter because it involves entrusting your words, ideas, humor, intelligence and personality with another person and relying on them so your message is effectively communicated. Follow these general guidelines to be interpreted well:
- Don't begin a new sentence before your interpreter has finished the previous one.
- Divide your speech into three parts, saving the "punch line" for last.
- Be repetitive. According to research, 70% of the message doesn't pass through the interpreter to the audience.
- Limit your sentences to 20-30 words.
- Find a well-trained and experienced interpreter.
- Go over details with your interpreter before each meeting.
- Look at your audience.
 Food Etiquette
Drinking is part of the socialization ritual in Japan, and as with other customs, there are rules to be followed:
- Never pour your own drink.
- Never ask to have your glass or cup filled.
- Always receive your glass or cup with both hands.
- Always lift your glass or cup when someone is pouring to you.
Here are some hints to the Don'ts of chopstick etiquette:
- Don't use just one chopstick.
- Don't use them separately with both hands.
- Don't stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice --it resembles death to the Japanese.
- Don't poke the food with your chopsticks.
- Don't wave your chopsticks in the air.
- Don't point to anyone or anything with your chopsticks.
- Don't use your chopsticks to pull dishes closer to you.
- Don't suck on the end of your chopsticks.
- Don't touch a piece of food and then decide not to take it.
- Don't touch food that someone else is trying to pick up.
- Don't lay used chopsticks flat on the table or on your bowl.
- Always use the chopsticks rest that is provided.
- Don't lay your chopsticks down criss-crossed.
Communicating With The Japanese
 - Although silence is an important part of the communication process to the Japanese, many times westerners feel uncomfortable and will try and fill silence with small talk. Keep in mind that silence does not represent a void, blank space of time.
- Because the Japanese usually avoid using "no," westerners are often confused by whether they are saying "yes" or if they actually mean "no."
- Here are some ways the Japanese indicate "no": Silence, hesitation, counter-question, saying "Yes, but...", apologizing, changing the subject.
General Don'ts:
- Don't ask too many "why" questions.
- Don't ask, "Why are you so quiet?"
- Don't make body contact, such as patting on the back.
- Don't get too friendly and informal in business situations.
- Don't show your emotions openly.
- Don't assume they will understand your humor.
Gift Giving & Gift Receiving
 Both gift giving and gift receiving are traditional customs. Here are some tips to help you give and receive gifts properly:
- Packaging is almost as important at the gift. Have your packages beautifully wrapped and always include a card.
- Don't wrap gifts in black and white as they represent funeral colors.
- Certain items should not be given as gifts. Knives, for example, signify the severing of a relationship.
- Gifts in sets of 4 or 9 are taboo. To the Japanese, 4 signifies death and 9 signifies pain.
- Don't open gifts when received unless encouraged by the giver (and then don't tear off the wrappings!)
- Don't turn down a gift. This is a form of insult to the Japanese. Explain to the giver if corporate policies dictate otherwise.
- Express appreciation upon receiving the gift and at a later time as well. Thank you cards are appropriate.
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