Japanese business culture
The Japanese business culture is very much like the traditional Far-eastern type of relationship-based business culture, however there are more and more signs of the western model influencing it.
Making Appointments
The custom of making an appointment for a business meeting in Japan is much like that in the case of the previous two countries, I talked about.
Meeting for the First Time
When you meet a Japanese person for the purpose of doing business, when you first meet hand over your business card. The way you have to do it, is that you hold your business card with both hands, holding both edge of your business card that are closer to you, meanwhile you bow. The business card should be facing upwards and towards the Japanese recipient, so it is upside down to you.
Always show up in time, never be late!
Conversation
Make sure you keep a distance and do not be overly friendly and frankly. In Japan too make some small talk before the meetings and the actual negotiations. This is a way for them to establish a relationship and also trust with a new business partner.
Also never critisize, but when you absolutely have to, make it in an extremely polite manner.
Addressing Others with Respect
In Japan too, make sure that you follow the general polite ways of addressing people according to their titles and family name.
Gift-Giving
Give gifts that are represental of your company and home-country. It doesn't have to be very expensive, just make sure that they know that you have thought of them beforehand, and not just in it for the money only.
Deal-Making
You should be very polite and make sure that you do not offend and embarras a Japanese business partner who has a strong social position and reputation.
Entertaining For Business Success
This still plays an important role in the Japanese business culture, however usually it does not take as much time as in China, but more than in Hungary. Many japanese after business go and practice traditional martial arts and their philosophy of calmness and harmony of the inner and external environment.
Product Quality
The product you want to sell in Japan must be clean, flawless, and must work perfectly. Japanese people are very meticulous on quality and perfect condition.
