Japanese Etiquette Guide
Bowing, business card exchange, meeting manners, gift-giving, and workplace behaviour — the practical etiquette guide every Indian professional in Japan needs.
The Art of Bowing (お辞儀)
Bowing (ojigi) is the fundamental Japanese greeting. Unlike a handshake, the angle and duration of the bow communicate your message — gratitude, respect, or apology — precisely. Handshakes are becoming more common in international business settings, but knowing how to bow is non-negotiable.
Eshaku
Casual greeting
A slight nod used for everyday greetings with colleagues, shopkeepers, or passing acquaintances. This is the most common bow you will use daily.
Keirei
Formal greeting & thanks
The standard business bow used when meeting clients, thanking someone sincerely, or greeting a senior colleague at the start of the day.
Saikeirei
Deep apology or reverence
Reserved for sincere apologies, meeting someone very senior, or expressing deep gratitude. Holding this bow longer signals greater sincerity.
Key tip: In Japan, bowing exchanges can go back and forth multiple times as each person tries to show more respect. It is fine to match the depth and duration of the other person's bow rather than trying to outbow them. Eye contact during a bow is not required — looking slightly down is natural.
Business Card (名刺) Exchange
In Japan, the meishi exchange is a ritual — almost ceremonial. How you handle someone's card reflects how you regard them as a professional. Treat every card as if it were the person themselves.
Present with both hands
Hold the card at the corners, facing the recipient, and present it with a slight bow.
Receive with both hands
Accept the card with both hands, look at it carefully, and express genuine interest in the person's name and title.
Read it before putting it away
Take a moment to study the card — name, title, company. This shows respect. Never shove it straight into your pocket.
Place it on the table during meetings
Arrange received cards neatly in front of you for the duration of the meeting, in the same seating order as the people across from you.
Never write on the card
Writing on someone's meishi is considered deeply disrespectful. Use a separate notebook for your notes.
Carry a card holder
Your own cards must be pristine — no creases, smudges, or damage. A card holder protects both the cards you give and receive.
Meeting & Office Etiquette
Meetings in Japan follow unspoken rules that are very different from Indian office culture. Knowing these rules before your first meeting signals seriousness and cultural awareness.
Arrive Early
Aim to be in the meeting room 5 minutes before the scheduled start. Being even one minute late is considered disrespectful, especially with external clients.
Seating Order Matters
The seat furthest from the door (kamiza) is the most prestigious and belongs to the most senior person. The seat nearest the door (shimoza) is for the most junior. Always wait to be directed to your seat.
Do Not Interrupt
Interrupting someone mid-sentence is a serious breach of etiquette. Wait for a clear pause before speaking. Silence between speakers is normal — do not rush to fill it.
Nemawashi Before Decisions
Big decisions in Japanese organisations rarely happen in the meeting room. They are pre-decided through nemawashi — informal, individual consultations with key stakeholders. The formal meeting ratifies what has already been agreed.
Avoid Direct Disagreement
If you disagree with a proposal, do not say so bluntly in a group setting. Phrase concerns as questions ("I wonder if we might also consider...") and raise stronger objections privately after the meeting.
Gift-Giving Etiquette
Gift-giving is a deeply embedded social practice in Japan. Omiyage (souvenirs) from trips are expected, and the effort put into wrapping and presentation communicates the depth of your respect.
Bring a local or regional specialty (omiyage) after any trip, domestic or international
Wrap gifts beautifully — presentation and effort signal respect for the recipient
Present gifts with both hands and a slight bow
When receiving a gift, set it aside to open later — opening immediately can seem greedy
Avoid giving gifts in sets of four (四, shi, sounds like "death") or nine (苦, ku, sounds like "suffering")
Avoid white flowers or chrysanthemums — associated with funerals
Do not give knives, scissors, or sharp objects — symbolise cutting ties
Classroom & Training Etiquette
The etiquette you practise at our academy is the same etiquette you will need in Japan. We use real Japanese classroom standards from day one so the adjustment, when you arrive in Japan, is minimal.
In the Classroom
Practise Japan-Standard Etiquette
- Arrive before the trainer — entering after class has started is disrespectful
- Switch your phone to silent mode and keep it off the desk unless instructed
- Use both hands when receiving handouts or study materials
- Address trainers with the appropriate honorific: Sensei (先生)
- Avoid eating or drinking in the classroom unless specifically permitted
- Take notes actively — it signals engagement and seriousness to the trainer
- Ask questions after the session or during designated Q&A time, not mid-explanation
- If you miss a session, contact the trainer beforehand — never leave a no-show unexplained
Start Your Japan Journey
We teach Japanese etiquette as part of every training programme — so you arrive in Japan ready from day one.
Enroll Now