Should I bow or shake hands?

Follow their lead. Most Japanese businesspeople will offer a handshake to foreigners, but a slight bow while shaking hands shows respect. If they bow only, bow back to roughly the same depth.

What if I don't speak Japanese?

Many Tokyo businesspeople speak some English, but bring a translator for important meetings. Download Google Translate with camera function as backup. Learning basic greetings like 'yoroshiku onegaishimasu' shows effort and respect.

How long should I expect meetings to run?

Initial meetings often run 60-90 minutes. Decision-making meetings can go 2-3 hours. Never rush or check your watch obviously. Japanese business culture values thorough discussion over quick decisions.

Is it okay to take notes during the meeting?

Yes, taking notes shows you're paying attention and taking the meeting seriously. Bring a quality notebook and pen. Ask permission before recording anything, which is rarely granted in Japanese business culture.

What topics should I avoid in small talk?

Avoid politics, World War II history, and personal topics like salary or family problems. Safe topics include Japanese culture appreciation, food, travel experiences in Japan, and general business trends.

How to Navigate Tokyo Business Meeting Etiquette

Tokyo business meetings follow strict protocols: arrive 10 minutes early, exchange business cards with both hands while bowing, sit where directed, and never interrupt. Dress conservatively, bring gifts, and follow up with a thank-you email within 24 hours.

Prepare your business cards properly. Order bilingual business cards with English on one side, Japanese on the other. Bring at least 20 cards in a pristine card case. Never write on someone's business card or put it in your back pocket.
Dress for formality. Wear a dark navy or charcoal suit with a conservative tie. Women should wear pantsuits or knee-length skirts with closed-toe shoes. Avoid bright colors, flashy accessories, or anything wrinkled.
Arrive early and wait. Get to the building 15 minutes early, but enter the meeting room exactly 10 minutes before start time. Wait to be seated - hierarchy determines seating arrangements, with senior people closest to the door.
Execute the business card exchange ritual. Present your card with both hands, Japanese side facing them, while making eye contact and bowing slightly. Receive their card the same way, read it carefully, and place it on the table in front of you in order of seniority.
Follow meeting hierarchy. Let the senior-most Japanese person lead the conversation. Speak only when addressed directly or invited to speak. Never interrupt, even during long pauses - silence is part of the decision-making process.
Present a small gift. Bring omiyage (a small gift) from your home country or company. Present it at the meeting's end with both hands, saying it's 'tsumaranai mono desu' (it's nothing special). Wrap it nicely - presentation matters more than cost.
Close with proper follow-up. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, summarizing key points discussed and next steps. Include your business card as a PDF attachment and mention looking forward to continued collaboration.

Should I bow or shake hands?: Follow their lead. Most Japanese businesspeople will offer a handshake to foreigners, but a slight bow while shaking hands shows respect. If they bow only, bow back to roughly the same depth.
What if I don't speak Japanese?: Many Tokyo businesspeople speak some English, but bring a translator for important meetings. Download Google Translate with camera function as backup. Learning basic greetings like 'yoroshiku onegaishimasu' shows effort and respect.
How long should I expect meetings to run?: Initial meetings often run 60-90 minutes. Decision-making meetings can go 2-3 hours. Never rush or check your watch obviously. Japanese business culture values thorough discussion over quick decisions.
Is it okay to take notes during the meeting?: Yes, taking notes shows you're paying attention and taking the meeting seriously. Bring a quality notebook and pen. Ask permission before recording anything, which is rarely granted in Japanese business culture.
What topics should I avoid in small talk?: Avoid politics, World War II history, and personal topics like salary or family problems. Safe topics include Japanese culture appreciation, food, travel experiences in Japan, and general business trends.