Business Etiquette Rules You Should Know in Japan

Rule #1: Wait before sitting down

• When visiting an office in Japan, wait for the host to signal it's okay to sit down.

• Never assume you can sit without permission.

"Wait until the host tells you to have a seat before you can sit."

Rule #2: Sitting arrangement by rank

• Japanese businesses place a high importance on social rank in their seating arrangements.

• The seating order depends on both the rank of the individuals and the layout of the room.

• The person with the highest status usually sits next to the meeting leader.

"Depends on the rank in the business and if your guests also... it depends on where they place you to sit."

Rule #3: Take off your coat before entering the meeting room

• It is considered polite to take off your coat and carry it over your arm when entering a meeting room in cold weather.

"If you're conducting the meeting or you're entering the meeting in the cold area, usually in the winter time, it's polite to take your coat off and put it over your arm before entering the room."

Rule #4: Learn formal greetings and keigo (polite language)

• Japanese etiquette emphasizes the use of formal greetings and polite language.

• Examples of formal greetings include "shitsureishimasu" when entering a room, "otsukaresamadesu" after finishing a meeting or work, and "ohayou gozaimasu" for greeting colleagues in the morning.

• Proper greetings show respect among individuals.

"It's very important Japanese really make on greeting because it shows respect among one another."

Rule #5: Enter an elevator in proper order

• In an elevator, those with higher rank or guests should enter and exit first.

• Individuals with lower rank are responsible for holding the door and pressing the desired floor.

"Usually those with higher rank or guests will go in first and leave first, and those with a lower rank are in charge of opening, holding the door and pressing what floor to go to."

Rule #6: Knock and say "shitsureishimasu" before entering a room

• Knock three times on the door and say "shitsureishimasu" to announce your arrival before entering a room.

• This gesture is a polite way to let others know you are coming in.

"Just to let the other person know, hey, I'm here, I'm coming in."

Rule #7: The right way of receiving a business card

• When receiving a business card, accept it with both hands.

• Read the card and make sure the giver sees that you are reading it.

• Politely place the card on the table and continue the conversation.

"You take it with both hands just like this. You read what's on the card, make sure they know what you're reading it, and then you politely set it on the table and continue the conversation."

Rule #8: Bow until the elevator doors close completely

• When bidding farewell to a client, continue bowing until the elevator doors are completely closed.

• This shows respect and leaves a lasting impression.

"You bow until the elevator doors close completely. You've probably seen this a lot before. It's because you want that to be the last final impression before your client leaves, and it's a great way to show respect."