AboutPhilip Lafeber Expertise Please ask me anything related to Japanese business culture. I can also answer some questions about social culture in general. Questions about the language I can only answer up to a very basic degree.
Experience I have worked for a Japanese company for 6 years and taught myself how to work with the Japanese and also some of the Japanese language. I am also married to a Japanese, which is why I have also learnt about Japanese in private life.
Education/Credentials None. All based on experience.
Expert: Philip Lafeber Date: 3/29/2007 Subject: greeting
Question What is the correct way of greeting Japanese guests in a hotel or handling any queries from them. Is there anything else which is expected from the host?
Answer Hi Tanja,
If I understand correctly, you are working in a hotel and you would like to know how to treat your Japanese guests.
A few things are interesting to note. First, Japanese culture is about being proud of where you come from and respect your own culture. They do, and so they expect you to. So treating them with respect in your way is definitely acceptable for them. They bow but it looks strange for them if you bow in their way. They expect they need to shake hands and they will. They say hello and goodbye in their language, but you don't need to. It even looks strange, especially if you mispronounce of speak with a wrong accent.
Ignoring what I just said, there is of course a good reason to know their ways also. :)
For one thing, maybe they will give you their business card. The please do the following:
- Accept it with 2 hands.
- Thank them (Say thank you or bow, as long as it is polite).
- Look at it attentively, showing your interest in his contact details.
- Put it away like you would a treasure.
Next, in Japanese communication, you never say no. If someone asks something, and you can't or won't do it, say that you will see what you can do (or of course with respect to hospitality, do it anyway :) ). In our culture this sounds like your brushing someone of, but for them it's away of saying that it is an impossible request but you don't want them to lose face. They will understand that and know it will not be done.
