Business meetings

When meeting with your Japanese client, it is important to take note that seniority and status play high importance in how the meeting goes. The Japanese observe an age old custom for which you should also take note of.

• Upon entering a room you must wait to be directed to an appropriate seat, as you can't seat just about anywhere. Tradition dictates that, the highest ranking person, other than the host, will sit at the head of the table. It follows that whoever is closest to the head, by status or role, should sit next to him.
• When the meeting is over, wait until the head stands up before you can do so yourself.
• If arriving late, it is but polite to give an advance noticed.
• Indicate your interest by jotting down notes, as Japanese are trained to note down everything.
• In instances where you need for a non-disclosure agreement signed, send these well before the scheduled meeting. Requesting this during the course of the meeting will embarrass your Japanese clients.
• Provide a written confirmation prior to the business meeting and then later on confirm the results immediately after it is finished.