Etiquette in Japan can be defined as a full time occupation. Points of etiquette are particularly codified including grammar and vocabulary for polite conversation, rules of gift giving, wrapping and receiving, standards of bowing, exchanging meishi or name cards. Etiquette hinges on principles of proportional reciprocity in social hierarchies based on relative status between superior and subordinate. Relative in the terms of status, age, gender, designation, relation etc. Most people have a hard time figuring out all the customs and formalities in the Land of the Rising Sun. It is an odd mix of culture and modern high technology, and the perfect place waiting to be explored by an unsuspecting traveller. Japanese etiquette is one of the most curious and signature qualities of the country’s culture. They emphasize on politeness and honor since feudal times. When and where to take off your shoes, what kind of gift to bring for what occasion, what can be done to be a good co worker, or neighbour or friend, behaviour in public and so on. The Japanese are sticklers for details. Don’t be surprised when you make a purchase, you are expected to place cash or your credit card in a shallow tray. The cashier will take the tray, carefully wrap up your purchase and hand it to you, bow and place your change or credit card back in the tray.
Conformity
A famous Japanese quote is – “ A nail that sticks out is hammered down”. This indicates how negatively individualism is viewed in Japanese society. Japan is known for its collectivist nature that prioritizes others, including family and community over individuals. The majority of children in Japan will agree that the number 1 threat faced by them is Individualism. The Japanese focus on groups, and western culture is focused on individuals. Drawing attention to yourself as an individual is a big no-no. Blowing your nose in public, eating while on the go, speaking on your cell phone loudly in crowded places like trains, buses and restaurants must be completely avoided. Another revealing aspect of the Japanese culture is the sight of people walking around town, shopping, or going to school in little white masks. The amazing thing about this is that they aren’t protecting themselves from some disease or germs but protecting others from their germs.
Japanese Bath Culture
Public bath houses are very popular in Japan. Sento or neighbourhood bath houses can be found everywhere. Take time out to visit a bath house, these are places without the barrier of skin colour, age and language. Experience the Onsen or hot springs. The Onsen are very popular as weekend excursion resorts. The onsen is a vital part of the traditional Japanese life and there is a strict sense of etiquette when entering a public onsen bath. Visitors should know that no clothing, swimwear and jewellery is allowed in the bath. Unlike the western culture, a Japanese bath is used after you have washed and rinsed and feel like soaking in hot water for 10, 20 or 30 minutes. Baths are for relaxing, the body and hair must be thoroughly scrubbed and all soap removed before entering the bathtub or furo. This is normally done at a small faucet or shower located in the same room as the tub, while seated on a small stool.It is extremely relaxing. If you are invited to a Japanese household, you will be given the honor of using the bath first, usually before dinner. Be careful not to dirty the water in any way, the sanctity of the furo (bath) is of utmost importance.
Japanese Ryokan
Experience the elements of Japanese culture and customs: living in a room with Tatami (straw mat) flooring, changing into a typical Yukata (kimono or robe) after taking an Onsen hot-spring bath, sleeping on a Futon (bedding) put down directly on the Tatami floor and savouring local cuisine in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Ryokans are accommodation facilities which are imbued with the traditional culture of Japan. Because of their emphasis of traditional style and atmosphere, it may appear rigid and intimidating, as a result, it is quite understandable that foreign guests are often perplexed by many things when staying at a ryokan. They are typically located in scenic areas, such as in the mountains or by the sea. Enjoy and experience something new. The very act of coming into contact with the traditions, culture, climate and customs of the country you are visiting or the land through which you are traveling is in itself particularly precious. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Impolite Social Behaviour
The Japanese consider it rude to look someone directly in the eye, cross your arms or legs, or have your hands in their pocket when you are speaking to them. Japanese usually focus their eyes on the lower neck of the person they are talking to and try to avoid staring. Blowing your nose in public in considered highly offensive. Tossing a wadded up napkin on the table or unfolded blanket on an airline seat is considered inconsiderate. The Japanese always carefully fold their napkins, blankets and even gum wrappers before discarding them. Putting on make up in public is looked down upon as is brushing one’s teeth in public. Talking about toilet related and similarly unappetizing topics during or before a meal is not appreciated by most people. Unlike in some other parts of East Asia, it is considered bad manners to burp.
Japanese Work Culture
The Japanese understand that it is very difficult for for foreigners to work in Japan. Mistakes are allowed as long as genuine respect is shown at all times. The Japanese prefer to do business on the basis of personal relationships. Appointments are mandatory and punctuality is of prime importance. The way you dress, move and talk is all observed by the Japanese. Be prepared to meet a team rather than an individual. Never refuse a request even if it appears unprofitable, difficult or impossible too. The Japanese look for a long term relationship. It may take several meetings for the Japanese to become comfortable with you but if you respond quickly and with excellent service, you prove your ability and trustworthiness. Meetings between the east and west often fail because of miscommunication. The Japanese are indirect, polite and non confrontational. They never say “no”. They are put off with the bottom line approach. So at all times, observe the non verbal communication. The Japanese remain silent for long periods. If they take time responding, be patient. Some Japanese even close their eyes when they want to listen intently. Don’t get uneasy thinking you have to speak or clarify something to fill the silence. They do not take kindly to impatience. Never display anger or talk loudly. The formal way of addressing someone in the west is with a “Mr”, and in Japan, you attach the suffix “San”. The Japanese bow a lot and when they bow, there is no eye contact. The length and depth of a bow depends on the social status or age of the person you are bowing to. Gaijins or foreigners are not expected to understand the complexities of a bow, therefore not expected to bow. A handshake with a slight nod of the head by a Gaijin is acceptable. But if you do take the effort of learning how to how correctly, it will be greatly appreciated.
Business cards or Meishis are very important in business transactions in Japan. If you are planning to do business in Japan, it would make sense to get one side of the name card printed in Japanese. Cards are to be handed, Japanese side facing up, with a bow and both hands. Cards received are meant to be kept infront of you till after the departure of the Japanese client. You should never stuff the card received in your shirt pocket or trouser, and never write on it. It is common to bring a small gift with you for a first meeting to establish a good relationship. Seating too follows a protocol and hierarchy within the company. The person with the highest rank sits furthest from the door, with back towards the door. The guest too sits furthest from the door, facing the door. The Japanese are very detail oriented and ask a lot of questions, often repeated in different ways to check reliability and integrity. They also ask a lot of questions which may appear personal in the west but most normal to ask in the east. Like “how much money do you make annually” or “how many members in your family” etc. Be prepared or you will appear unprofessional.
Of course a knowledge of Japanese business etiquette is helpful, but shallow efforts to adapt to the Japanese culture (for example bowing deeply) can give the impression that you are naïve. The larger mistake doing business in Japan is to miss the hidden cultural differences underneath the surface. These are differences which may not be obvious on a short visit, but which become more apparent the more time you spend in the country. On the one hand, we hear that doing business in Japan is complex – the market is impenetrable and the business culture full of elaborate rituals. Yet internationalization is everywhere. Over time Japan has become less formal. Some companies have even issued orders to their employees to stop addressing one another by their titles but to simply add the suffix -san to their names. Parents and teachers no longer expect their children to use honorific language. Many older Japanese see the change as a coarsening of their language and society.
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