4. Japanese business etiquette

Business cards. Contrary to a widely-believed myth, bowing is not necessary for foreigners, but the business card ritual is. The exchange of business cards at the beginning of meetings is an important way of establishing this status for the Japanese, and should be carried out with proper respect. Have them prepared in advance and checked by a Japanese business representative. It is best to have one side printed in your native language, with extra information such as membership in professional associations included; the reverse side should be in Japanese. If your status changes, have new cards printed immediately.

Cards are presented after the bow or handshake. Present your card with the Japanese side facing your colleague, in such a manner that it can be read immediately. Read the card presented to you, memorizing all the information. Ask for help in pronunciation and in comprehension of the title; if you understand without help, make a relevant comment. Handle cards very carefully. Do not put them in your pocket or in your wallet if you plan to put it in your back pocket. Never write on a person's business card (especially not in his or her presence).

Business entertaining. Business entertaining usually occurs after business hours, and very rarely in the home. Midweek entertainment may stop at around 9pm to allow for the long commute home. You will be entertained often, sometimes on short notice. Evening hospitality offers an opportunity for personal revelation and more relaxed conversation, when you can discuss things off the record and reach decisions. These may include sumo wrestling or karaoke. Karaoke nights are important in team-building and have a popular song ready to perform if you're up for it. You might also be invited to expensive restaurants, and you will be expected to reciprocate. Keep alcohol under control: the Japanese may get drunk to let off steam, but they don't expect it of foreign business visitors.

When you are taken out, your host will treat. Allow your host to order for you (this will be easier, too, since the menus are in Japanese). Be enthusiastic while eating, and express your thanks afterward. While business entertaining is primarily for building friendships rather than for making deals, you may discuss business during the evening. If you are invited to a Japanese home, keep in mind that this is a great honor: show your appreciation.

For social occasions, it is appropriate to be fashionably late. When entering a Japanese home, take off your shoes at the door. In a home, you will sit cross-legged, or with your legs to the side, around a low table with the family. You may be offered a backrest.

Meals are long, but the evening usually ends at about 11:00 p.m. Never point your chopsticks at another person. When you are not using them, you should line them up on the chopstick rest. Use both hands to hold a bowl or a cup that you wish to be refilled. Eventually, you will wish to invite your hosts out. Be insistent, even if they claim that a foreigner should not pay for anything.

Good topics of conversation include families (yours and your Japanese counterpart's), Japanese art and inventiveness, Japanese hospitality, and sports. Popular sports in Japan include baseball, ski jumping, and football (soccer). Avoid bringing up the Second World War or Japanese militarism in general.