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You will definitely win hearts and minds and prove yourself a reliable partner just being punctual, like the Japanese themselves. Meeting deadlines is the top priority. In order not to be late, even the manager of a large Japanese corporation will go down the subway without hesitation when there are no other options. You are expected the same. “Got stuck in traffic” is a measerable excuse.

Bow or handshake

Before meeting with Japanese partners, learn the organizational structure of the company. In accordance with Japanese business etiquette, the process of greeting takes place in a hierarchy. First of all, it is customary to greet the senior in the position, and then you should greet other colleagues.

The traditional greeting in Japan is a bow, and the lower it is, the more respect you show for the interlocutor.

It is also important to know that in business communication, the Japanese call each other by their last names. Their names are used only when communicating with very close relatives or friends. At the same time, calling a colleague, you should use the nominal suffix «san». This is an additional form of polite address, which can be translated as «respected»

Never say never»

While negotiatong, it is important to remember that the Japanese language is inherent in associativity and allegory. For example, answering “yes” to a proposal may indicate agreement to discuss it in more detail, or that the proposal has been heard.

On the contrary, it will be quite difficult to hear «no». The Japanese will avoid a direct refusal and answer evasively that they need to think, the situation is rather complicated. A direct refusal can humiliate and offend, so during negotiations you should be careful with the words “no”, “never” and other similar words. To build relationships, it is important to maintain harmony and goodwill in communication.

It is time to go to a restaurant

After long and detailed negotiations, spend the evening with your Japanese colleagues in an informal setting. This stage often becomes the key to make the final decision. It is believed that just such an atmosphere will contribute to the resolution of contradictions, and also allows you to freely express your position on controversial issues. In Japanese business circles, refusing to meet at a restaurant can be perceived as a sign of disrespect or doubt about the possibility of cooperation. When going to dinner, remember that the initiator pays for the evening.

The principles outlined above are quite simple, but it is precisely their knowledge that will help to spend less resources on preparing proposals and will make it possible to hope for the conclusion of mutually beneficial contracts between Russian and Japanese companies.