Should I try to speak Japanese in business meetings?

Learn basic greetings like 'ohayo gozaimasu' (good morning) and 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you). Most international business is conducted in English, but showing effort with basic phrases is appreciated.

What's the tipping culture for business entertainment?

Don't tip in Japan - it's not expected and can be awkward. Service charges are included in restaurant bills. Simply thank your hosts politely.

How do I handle business card exchanges?

Receive cards with both hands, read them carefully, and place them on the table in front of you during meetings. Never write on someone's business card or put it in your back pocket.

Is it okay to arrive exactly on time?

Arrive 10 minutes early. Punctuality is extremely important in Japanese business culture. Being late is considered very disrespectful.

How to Plan a Business Trip to Japan

Plan your Japan business trip 6-8 weeks ahead, focusing on meeting schedules, business card etiquette, and conservative dress. Budget $200-300 per day including hotels, meals, and transport. Spring and fall offer the best weather and avoid major holidays.

Schedule meetings 6-8 weeks in advance. Japanese companies prefer advance notice. Send formal meeting requests with specific agendas. Avoid Golden Week (late April/early May), Obon (mid-August), and New Year (late December/early January) when most businesses close.
Get business cards printed in Japanese. Order double-sided cards with English on one side, Japanese on the other. Use quality cardstock. Bring 100+ cards even for short trips - exchanging business cards (meishi koukan) happens constantly.
Book accommodations near business districts. Stay in Marunouchi, Nihonbashi, or Shimbashi areas in Tokyo. Book early - business hotels fill up quickly. Expect to pay $150-250 per night for quality business hotels with English-speaking staff.
Pack conservative business attire. Bring dark suits, white shirts, conservative ties. Japanese business dress is formal and conservative. Pack comfortable walking shoes - you'll walk between meetings and train stations frequently.
Set up mobile connectivity. Rent a pocket WiFi device at the airport or get a prepaid SIM card. Many hotels have limited WiFi. You'll need constant connectivity for maps, translation apps, and communication.
Learn basic business etiquette. Practice bowing slightly when meeting people. Present business cards with both hands. Arrive 10 minutes early to all meetings. Remove shoes when entering some traditional offices or restaurants.
Plan transportation routes. Download Google Translate and Hyperdia apps. Get a 7-day JR Pass ($280) if traveling between cities. In Tokyo, get an IC card for trains and subways. Budget 30 minutes between meetings for travel time.

Should I try to speak Japanese in business meetings?: Learn basic greetings like 'ohayo gozaimasu' (good morning) and 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you). Most international business is conducted in English, but showing effort with basic phrases is appreciated.
What's the tipping culture for business entertainment?: Don't tip in Japan - it's not expected and can be awkward. Service charges are included in restaurant bills. Simply thank your hosts politely.
How do I handle business card exchanges?: Receive cards with both hands, read them carefully, and place them on the table in front of you during meetings. Never write on someone's business card or put it in your back pocket.
Is it okay to arrive exactly on time?: Arrive 10 minutes early. Punctuality is extremely important in Japanese business culture. Being late is considered very disrespectful.