Some Japanese Business Culture and Etiquette You Should Know

• Prepare your Marketing Materials

Your company’s introduction is a crucial part of your presentation. The Japanese culture relies heavily on paper. A paper copy of a document, presentation, or brochure is essential for handing out to potential business partners.

It also helps to invest time and cash in translating into Japanese. A presentation like this indicates that you care about the details and respect your peers, even if everyone you’re meeting with speaks English fluently. Whatever the case, it’s always easier to convince someone to consider your suggestion if you do it in their native tongue.

Remember that Japanese firms appreciate the information that may appear trivial to you. It should include the following:

• Company’s founding date
• Initial investment
• Personnel count (this speaks for the company’s size, reach, and potential)
• Products and services
• Names and contact information of the company’s founder and any partners (together with their titles)
• Present clients

Even if the people you’re meeting with have heard all this before from you in talks leading up to the meeting, bringing physical copies is a good idea.

You should be as specific and straightforward as possible in your brochure’s description of your needs.

Lastly, emphasize your business model and clarify how your target audience will appreciate working with you.