Should I bring gifts to business meetings?

Yes, bring small gifts (omiyage) from your home country for your main contacts. Present them at the end of meetings, not the beginning. Nothing expensive - local specialty snacks or small branded items work well.

How do I handle language barriers professionally?

Speak slowly and clearly. Bring a translator for important meetings or use your company's Japanese colleagues. Download a translation app as backup, but don't rely on it for crucial conversations.

What's the dress code for Tokyo business?

Conservative business attire always. Men wear dark suits with conservative ties. Women wear pantsuits or knee-length skirts with blazers. Avoid bright colors, flashy accessories, or revealing clothing.

Is it rude to leave business events early?

Yes, very rude. Wait for the most senior person to indicate the meeting or dinner is ending. If you absolutely must leave early, apologize profusely and explain privately to the senior-most person beforehand.

How to navigate business etiquette in Tokyo

Tokyo business etiquette revolves around respect, hierarchy, and precision. Master the business card exchange (meishi koukan), arrive 10 minutes early to everything, and let the most senior person lead conversations. Bow slightly when meeting, dress conservatively, and never be the first to leave a meeting.

Master the business card exchange. Receive cards with both hands, study it for 3-5 seconds, then place it on the table in front of you during meetings. Never write on it or put it in your back pocket. Present your card with both hands, Japanese side facing the recipient if it's bilingual.
Arrive early and wait. Show up 10 minutes before any meeting or appointment. Wait to be seated - don't choose your own spot. The most senior person typically sits furthest from the door, with hierarchy flowing outward.
Handle introductions properly. Bow slightly (15-30 degrees) when meeting someone new. Let the most senior person on your side make introductions. State your company name before your own name when introducing yourself.
Follow meeting protocol. Speak only when addressed or when your senior colleague indicates you should contribute. Take notes - it shows respect. Never interrupt or disagree directly. Instead, say something like 'That's an interesting perspective' before offering alternatives.
Navigate after-work socializing. Accept invitations to nomikai (drinking parties) - business often happens here. Let senior colleagues order for the table. Pour drinks for others but never your own. Stay until the senior-most person indicates the evening is ending.

Should I bring gifts to business meetings?: Yes, bring small gifts (omiyage) from your home country for your main contacts. Present them at the end of meetings, not the beginning. Nothing expensive - local specialty snacks or small branded items work well.
How do I handle language barriers professionally?: Speak slowly and clearly. Bring a translator for important meetings or use your company's Japanese colleagues. Download a translation app as backup, but don't rely on it for crucial conversations.
What's the dress code for Tokyo business?: Conservative business attire always. Men wear dark suits with conservative ties. Women wear pantsuits or knee-length skirts with blazers. Avoid bright colors, flashy accessories, or revealing clothing.
Is it rude to leave business events early?: Yes, very rude. Wait for the most senior person to indicate the meeting or dinner is ending. If you absolutely must leave early, apologize profusely and explain privately to the senior-most person beforehand.