The following article relates some of FKA's U.S.-Japan expertise for use by American business people and government officials traveling to Japan.

Business Cards

The exchange of business cards is an important custom in Japan. Business travelers should bring approximately 200 business cards to ensure a sufficient supply. Offer your business card by extending it with both hands with your name facing toward the receiver. Likewise, receive others’ cards with both hands, and look at the card before carefully putting it away in a special card case (never put it in a back pocket). Also, it is especially polite to have one's business card translated in Japanese on the reverse side, as it indicates one's effort to facilitate communication with the Japanese.

Exchange of Gifts

Small gifts are representative of thoughtfulness, and it is customary for visitors, in particular, to give gifts.

• Bring small gifts for the business people you will meet with such as American chocolates, stationery, fancy soaps, teas, or coffee, wallets, scarves, or keepsake books from a U.S. locale or landmark.

• For high-level executives and officials, pewter (or other non-breakable) items from American landmarks (such as the White House) make good gifts. Gifts should cost approximately $25-$50 for very high-level executives or officials, $25 for senior-level executives or officials.

• Gifts given to the highest-level executives or officials should be the most expensive given.

• Gift-wrapping should reflect current seasonal themes or incorporate seasonal colors. Avoid all-white wrapping paper, as all-white items represent death in Japanese culture. All gifts should be gift-wrapped or in a decorative box. Be careful that the gift-wrapping is well done and that the paper is not damaged or soiled. Carry the gifts to meetings in attractive bags (w/handles) provided gratuitously at all Japanese quality hotels.

• Style of presentation of gifts should be modest. In particular, it is polite to be humble when describing the gift one is giving. Whereas Americans tend to "talk up" gifts, the Japanese tend to play down their gifts.

• When receiving a gift it is customary to hesitate to open the gift until invited to do so. In traditional Japanese culture, gift recipients do not open gifts in front of the giver. However, this custom is in transition, and gift givers will often encourage the recipient to open the gift, at which time it is appropriate to do so. It is polite to open the paper carefully, not to rip the paper. The best-mannered in Japan wrap the gift back in the paper as it was wrapped after opening it.
  

Reticence among Japanese is a trait that is traditionally admired. A quiet Japanese colleague also may feel unfamiliar with Americans or unsure of his or her English abilities. Do not take quietness as an indication that an individual is not knowledgeable.

All Japanese know some English (particularly written English), which they learn starting in middle school. Therefore, do not make inappropriate comments in English with the assumption that Japanese people will not understand you. Naturally, it is important to be patient with non-native English speakers, and to not interrupt. The Japanese are apt to remain silent while they mull over what has been said or wait for others to come to conclusions. Westerners must be patient with these silences and should not interject.