5 Essential Japanese Business Manners for Your New Life in Japan 🇯🇵

Hello, future Japan adventurers! Are you dreaming of living and working in the Land of the Rising Sun? That’s fantastic! As your language school teacher, I know how exciting and a little overwhelming it can be to prepare for life in a new country. Beyond mastering the Japanese language, understanding Japanese business manners is a huge step towards a successful and comfortable experience.

Think of it this way: Language is the vehicle, but manners are the rules of the road. Knowing them will make your journey smooth and enjoyable, helping you build strong relationships and show respect for the culture. This article will guide you through five essential business manners that are crucial for anyone, especially Filipinos, entering the Japanese professional world. Let’s dive in and learn how to navigate your new life with confidence! 🎉

### 1. The Art of Bowing (お辞儀 – Ojigi) 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♂️

Bowing, or お辞儀 (ojigi), is arguably the most fundamental form of non-verbal communication in Japan. Unlike in the Philippines where a simple nod or handshake might suffice, bowing conveys respect, gratitude, apology, and even greeting. For many Filipinos, this might feel a bit unfamiliar at first, but it’s a beautiful expression of humility and acknowledgment.

There are generally three main types of bows you’ll encounter and use in a business setting:

Understanding Japanese Bows

Bow Type	Angle	Usage
会釈 (Eshaku)	15 degrees	Casual greeting (e.g., passing a colleague in the hallway). Your eyes should still be on the other person.
普通礼 (Futsūrei)	30 degrees	Standard business greeting (e.g., meeting a client, saying “thank you”). Your eyes should be on the floor in front of you.
最敬礼 (Saikeirei)	45-90 degrees	Deepest respect, apology, or request (e.g., apologizing for a serious mistake, greeting a very important person).

**Tips for Filipinos:**
* **Practice:** Stand in front of a mirror and practice the angles. Pay attention to how Japanese people bow in dramas or news.
* **Pace:** Bow slowly and deliberately. A hurried bow can seem insincere.
* **Eye Contact:** Avoid direct eye contact *during* the bow itself, especially for deeper bows. Look at the floor or their mid-section, then make eye contact *after* you straighten up.
* **When to Bow:** When you meet someone new, when you leave, when you thank someone, when you apologize. If in doubt, a quick 会釈 (eshaku) is always safe.

### 2. The Ritual of Business Card Exchange (名刺交換 – Meishi Koukan) 🤝

Business card exchange, or 名刺交換 (meishi koukan), is a highly ritualized and extremely important part of Japanese business introductions. It’s not just swapping pieces of paper; it’s an act of respect for the other person’s identity and position. Treat the business card as an extension of the person themselves.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Preparation is Key:

   Make sure your business cards are clean, crisp, and easily accessible. Never pull a crumpled card from your wallet!

2. The Approach:

   When exchanging cards, stand up if you’re seated. Hold your card with both hands, facing the recipient, so they can read it easily. Present it at chest height.

3. The Exchange:

   Say 「〜と申します。」(〜 to mōshimasu.) (My name is ~.) or 「どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。」(Dōzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.) (Please treat me well / Nice to meet you.) as you present your card. If exchanging simultaneously, aim to present your card slightly lower than the other person’s as a sign of respect, especially if they are senior to you.

4. Receiving the Card:

   Receive their card with both hands, taking it by the top two corners (avoiding covering their name or company logo). Immediately read their name and company aloud to confirm you’ve understood it correctly. Say 「ちょうだいいたします。」(Chōdai itashimasu.) (I humbly receive this.)

5. After Exchange:

   Do not immediately put the card away. If you’re at a table, place the received cards in front of you, arranged according to the seating arrangement, with the most senior person’s card closest to you. This helps you remember names and positions throughout the meeting. Only put them away once the meeting has concluded, carefully placing them in a proper cardholder.

### 3. The Absolute Importance of Punctuality (時間厳守 – Jikan Genshu) ⏰

In Japan, punctuality, or 時間厳守 (jikan genshu), is not just a courtesy; it’s a fundamental expectation and a sign of respect for others’ time. Being late, even by a minute, can be seen as a lack of professionalism and consideration. The general rule of thumb is: **”If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re 10 minutes early, you’re on time.”**

* **Arrive Early:** For meetings, appointments, or even social gatherings related to work, aim to arrive 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time. This gives you time to compose yourself, use the restroom, and be ready when the time comes.
* **Communicate Immediately if Delayed:** If, for any unavoidable reason, you realize you’re going to be even slightly late (even 1-2 minutes!), you **must** contact the person you are meeting immediately. Apologize sincerely and explain your estimated arrival time. A simple text message like 「〇〇分遅れます。申し訳ございません。」(○○-pun okuremasu. Mōshiwake gozaimasen.) (I will be ○○ minutes late. I am very sorry.) is crucial.

### 4. Embracing the “Hourensou” Principle (報連相) ✅

The 報連相 (Hourensou) principle is a cornerstone of effective communication and teamwork in Japanese workplaces. It’s an acronym derived from three key verbs:

* **報 (Hō): 報告 (Houkoku) – Report**
* Regularly report on the progress of your tasks, results, and completed assignments to your supervisor or colleagues. Don’t wait to be asked.
* **連 (Ren): 連絡 (Renraku) – Inform/Contact**
* Inform relevant parties promptly about any changes, issues, or important information, even if it seems minor. This includes sharing details about your schedule, absences, or potential problems.
* **相 (Sō): 相談 (Soudan) – Consult/Discuss**
* Consult with your superiors or colleagues before making important decisions or when encountering difficulties. Don’t try to solve complex problems alone or make unilateral decisions.

**How to implement Hourensou:**
* **Proactive Reporting:** After completing a task, immediately report it. If a task is delayed, inform your superior.
* **Share Information:** If you learn something that might affect a colleague’s work, share it.
* **Ask for Guidance:** Don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification. It’s seen as a sign of diligence, not weakness. Use phrases like 「ご相談したいのですが」(Go-sōdan shitai no desu ga…) (I would like to consult with you…).

### 5. The Thoughtfulness of Gift-Giving (お土産 – Omiyage) 🎁

Gift-giving is an ingrained part of Japanese culture, deeply connected to showing gratitude, building relationships, and acknowledging special occasions. While not strictly a daily “business manner,” understanding when and how to give and receive gifts, especially お土産 (omiyage) (souvenirs/gifts from travels), is crucial in many professional contexts.

* **When to Give:**
* **After a Business Trip:** If you go on a business trip, it’s customary to bring back お土産 (omiyage) for your colleagues, typically individually wrapped snacks or local specialties.
* **First Meeting/Greeting (sometimes):** While not always necessary, if you are visiting a company for the first time, especially if you are from a different region or country, a small, locally sourced gift can be a thoughtful gesture.
* **Expressions of Gratitude:** If someone has gone out of their way to help you, a small token of appreciation can be appropriate.
* **What to Give:**
* Individually wrapped food items are very popular for workplaces as they can be easily shared.
* Avoid overly expensive or personal gifts, as this can make the recipient uncomfortable.
* Think about the local specialties from your hometown or country (e.g., Filipino delicacies like dried mangoes, though be mindful of customs restrictions).
* **How to Give and Receive:**
* **Giving:** Present the gift with both hands, saying 「つまらないものですが。」(Tsumaranai mono desu ga.) (This is just a trifle, but…) – a humble phrase often used, even for a nice gift. Don’t over-explain the gift’s value.
* **Receiving:** Always accept a gift with both hands, express sincere gratitude (「ありがとうございます。」(Arigatō gozaimasu.)), and generally do not open it immediately in front of the giver unless prompted. Thank them again later.

### Mastering Daily Business Phrases and Expressions 🗣️

Beyond the five core manners, mastering a few key Japanese phrases will significantly enhance your daily interactions in a business setting. These are phrases you’ll hear and use constantly, showing your willingness to adapt and be a team player.

• お疲れ様です。(Otsukaresama desu.)

  A versatile phrase that translates roughly to “You must be tired” or “Good work.” It’s used as a greeting to colleagues at any time of day, when leaving work, or acknowledging someone’s hard effort. You can use it when you arrive, when someone leaves, or even when you just pass by them in the office. It signifies mutual acknowledgment of effort.

• お先に失礼します。(Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu.)

  “Excuse me for leaving before you.” Use this when you are leaving work before your colleagues or supervisor. It’s a polite way to excuse yourself from the shared workspace. Your colleagues will typically respond with 「お疲れ様でした。」(Otsukaresama deshita.) or 「また明日。」(Mata ashita.) (See you tomorrow.)

• かしこまりました。(Kashikomarimashita.)

  “Certainly,” “Understood,” or “I respectfully acknowledge.” This is a more formal and polite way to say “Wakarimashita” (I understood) when receiving instructions from a superior or a client. It conveys respect and readiness to comply.

• 恐れ入ります。(Osoreirimasu.)

  This is a versatile phrase similar to “Excuse me,” “I’m sorry,” or “Thank you very much,” used to express humility and gratitude, especially when someone has done something for you that required effort or inconvenience on their part. It’s more formal than “Sumimasen” in many contexts.

### Your Journey to Success in Japan Begins Now! 🎉

Learning Japanese business manners is an ongoing process, but by focusing on these five essential points—bowing, business card exchange, punctuality, Hourensou, and thoughtful gift-giving—you’ll be well on your way to a successful and respectful integration into Japanese professional life. Remember, mistakes are part of learning, and Japanese people appreciate the effort you make to understand and adapt to their culture.

As your teacher, I encourage you to observe, ask questions when appropriate, and most importantly, practice! The more you engage with these customs, the more natural they will become. Your dedication to learning not just the language but also the cultural nuances will open countless doors and help you build meaningful connections in Japan. Ganbatte kudasai! You can do this! 👍