Japan Business Travel |
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Many of us will definitely will have the chance to do business with Japanese company and pay an official visit to their company in Japan. Business travel to Japan is in fact a very good experience but there a many custom business meeting practices for Japanese culture which is much different from what we usually do in US and Europe countries. Business AttireIt is still very formal in Japan, a formal suits and leather shoes is the best business attire. Please don't try to be dressed in business casual like the American, it is not acceptable as you are not showing any respect to your customer or supplier. Even at summer you still need to be suits, only exception is you may take it off after the meeting. Business Meeting Etiquette
There is sitting arrangement, usually
host will sit one side and the visitors will sit at opposite side.
Seniority is very critical in Japanese business world, where only the
most high level executive in the meeting room will have the business
card exchange first, voice up and give opinion first, give order and
make the conclusion. Usually the higher rank executive will sit in the
middle or 1st one head from the table. Never sit before your customers,
only sit when it is directed to do so. Gift exchange is sometimes very frequent practice for higher level executive visit, this is a token of appreciation to strengthen the relationship between both party. When you receive the gift with nicely wrapped, don't open it, instead give praising words and show interest in asking what the gift is about. Taking notes is another thing need to notice, the best way is still the oldest way, by just using a notebook with pen, rather using laptop directly. When your Japanese counter part is talking or presenting to you, you have to nod your head by showing you are listening and pay attention. Remember never never interrupt your Japanese counter part while he or she is delivering message or speech. Business Lunch & DinnerIt is normal practice to have lunch or dinner after the meeting with customers or suppliers in Japan. If you are customers very likely you will need to paid for it, but if you are the supplier the bill is yours, perhaps more entertainment bills are coming later. During lunch or dinners, they will mixing the topics with social and business, sometimes they purposely do that to get more information that is not mentioned in the meeting, or to verify it during dinning time. Drinking beers and sake is unavoidable in Japan, even you are cannot drink alcohol, you still need to drink some, to show respect to them. Drinking with your counterparts is the most easier way to get closer with them, but just need to be aware most of them after some beers or sake, they may act differently as compare to just now in meeting, more open and friendly.
Pouring beers or sake to counter parts is
showing respect and honor to them, they will do it in return. Getting Around for MeetingsSince Japan public transportation is the most accurate and puncture in the world, what you need to do is to find out the exact customer location using Yahoo Japan map or Goggle Japan map. JR train, Metro subway, JR bullet train is the option for transportation. Travel in taxi is only for emergency, since it is really very expensive travel with taxi. For some 1st timer, it is the best to synch up with your distributors or local counter part to meet up before going to customer site. Enjoy your Japan Business Travel!
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