Traveling for work is almost always a fun and exciting experience. This is especially true if you are traveling to a foreign country – whether it be because your boss ordered you to do so or because you just want to spend a couple of days there as a tourist. However, traveling to a foreign country for work can also be a very stressful experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with the law and the customs of the country that you are visiting. With that said, if you are planning on having a business dinner in the beautiful country of Japan, you have come to the right place!
Now, we all know that having good manners is very important in any dining situation. However, it is especially important when you are having a business dinner in Japan – the country that is filled with culture, harmony, negotiation, teamwork, and politeness. That being said, if you are planning on visiting Japan for work, here are some business dining tips that you should keep in the back of your mind at all times!
Take a Bow
Have you ever spent a day or two in the beautiful country of Japan? If you have, it is pretty much safe to say that one of the very first things that you have noticed is that the people of Japan tend to greet each other by taking a bow. Keep in mind that there are many different types of bow that people of Japan use, but when it comes to business diners and stuff like that, you should use a formal bow. To pull this off, you just need to bend at your waist with a straight back to a 45 degree angle. As you can see, it’s not that difficult, is it?
Clean Your Plate
The people of Japan are very mindful when it comes to avoiding food waste. They usually eat all the food on their plates, which means that you should do the same. But keep in mind that portions in Japan are much smaller than American portions, which means that you shouldn’t have a problem pulling this off.
Business Cards
Business cards are a must-have in Japan. Make sure that your business card has an English translation, as well as a Japanese one. Also, you should always present your business cards using both of your hands with the Japanese side facing upward.