Country guide
Japan Business etiquette and meeting customs
Asia/Tokyo
What kind of meeting?
Strict punctuality
Arrive on time or a few minutes early — being late makes a poor impression.
Meeting Culture
Recommended duration60+ min
Communication StyleIndirect, hierarchical
Greeting StyleBow (15-30 degrees)
Daily Schedule
Work Hours09:00 – 18:00
Breakfast07:00 – 08:00
Lunch12:00 – 13:00
Dinner18:00 – 20:00
Sleep00:00 – 07:22
Tips for Meetings
For the kind of meeting you chose above.
Dress Code
Business formal, conservative
Tone
Formal, hierarchical, respectful
- ·Exchange meishi (business cards) with both hands and a bow
- ·Seniority dictates seating and speaking order
- ·Arrive five minutes early to show respect
General Tips
- ·Exchange business cards (meishi) formally with both hands
- ·Seniority determines speaking order
- ·Silence means contemplation, not disagreement
- ·Never be late — arrive 5 minutes early
Cultural Notes
- ·Average sleep: 7h 22m (shortest in OECD)
- ·Punctuality is extremely important
- ·Avoid scheduling at start of lunch
Meeting someone from Japan?
Find the best timeCultural information is for general guidance only and may not reflect every individual's practices.
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