Japanese Culture

Japanese Culture:
Business and Personal interaction Tips
「Part 4」
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Behavior
The word used when toasting is Kanpai 「kahn-pie・乾杯・cheers」. When toasting, the glass is never left unfilled. Drinking is an important part of Japanese culture, mainly as a way to relieve the stresses of work life.

Most business related entertaining is done in restaurants or bars after hours, the most common place is either in karaoke 「カラオケ」bars or Hostess bars. It is recommended that businesswomen refrain from attending a Hostess bar.

More important phrases to learn are Itadakimasu「頂きます・Let's eat」which is used at the beginning of a meal, and gochisou sama deshita 「ごちそうさまでした・Thank you for the meal」at the end. It shows that you enjoyed the meal provided, and that you put some thought into the culture you are among.

Do not openly display money when possible. In Japan it is rare to see cash handed off in public. The best way to give cash to someone whether in public or private is in an envelope.

Communications
Take special care in handling business cards 「名刺・meishi」that are given to you. Make sure to not write on the card, also it is preferred for you to have a specific place for it that is not either your pocket or wallet. This is thought of as defacing the card and considered disrespectful. Make sure to memorize the name and title of the person on the card, and close examination of the card is considered a show of respect.

Introductions use the persons' last name with the suffix of san, which translates to Mr. or Ms. in your language. The traditional way of identifying a person is by their family name rather than their given name. It is bad form, especially for an important or first meeting to request the call you by your given name. It not shows lack of cultural foreknowledge it could bring possibly what could be wrong or embarrassing about your family name if they are traditional enough. Also, if you are unsure on the pronunciation of a name, ask for assistance.

ヾ(＾-＾)ノ こゆうきあいはら ヽ(^。^)丿