Japanese business meals

~dining, drinking and karaoke~

Globalization, economic development and the ever increasing opportunities

for business traveling are just some of the factors that are constantly reshaping
business practices around the world. The coming together of different ways of doing
business and of different business profiles has emphasized the need for a better
understanding of how a cultures values and principles influences the way in which
people lead their everyday life, including business affairs.
In order for ones encounter with a different business style to be a successful
one, he or she must understand and accept that there are differences that simply cant
be overlooked, differences rooted deeply in culture and that without a willingness to
discover that particular culture the whole experience could be compromised.
In the following paper I have discussed a more specific topic of the Japanese
business profile: business meals, mainly focusing on dining and drinking etiquette,
and also karaoke. There a series of dos ad dont which are explained that have
derived from the different cultural aspects that are linked with what is accepted and
what isnt during a business meal.
Dining
Christine Genzberger writes in Japan business- the portable encyclopedia for
doing business with Japan that during the process of cultivating business contacts or
in the evening after negotiations it is likely that ones Japanese hosts will invite him or
her to a social gathering. This element of Japanese business culture is important
because leisure time is when personal relationships are formed.
The author continues with tips on how to behave during such a business meal.
Japanese executives often invite their guests to dinner at a traditional Japanese
restaurant. It is wise to be familiar with a few key aspects of Japanese table manners.
In traditional restaurants shoes are left at the door. They are placed neatly in line with
the other shoes toes facing the exit. A waiter will then escort the party to the table.
There are no chairs and guests sit on the floor, men should sit crossed legged and
women should kneel or tuck their legs under them to one side. At no point should
ones knees rise above the edge of the table, which seats quite low.
The head of the visiting delegation is given the place of honor, the position
farthest away from and facing the exit. This custom developed in ancient times when
the chief samurai was given this place as the best from which to resist attack by
assassins. The principal host usually sits next to the place of honor .If interpreters are
necessary they should sit flanking the delegation leaders and other hosts and guest
should alternate around the table
After sitting down, a damp cloth for cleansing the hands will be offered. It is
impolite to use this cloth to clean the face, neck, or arms, but men sometimes use it to
wipe their face on an hot day. After cleansing the hands, the cloth is placed on the tray
from which it was served. Napkins are not used during the meal.
Before food is served everyone present drinks a few toasts of sake, Japanese
rice wine. Tradition calls for the 1st round of sake to be drunk in unison after the
principal host has spoken a few words of welcome. It is proper for the head of
visitation to return the toast.
The main dishes are served after these initial courtesies. Japanese food is
served to individuals on trays containing food in dishes or compartments. Portions
served are smaller than those in other countries like the US. Only second helpings of
rice are usually offered and it is rude to ask for more food. No one would begin eating
until the principal guest has taken a bite.

It is advisable to learn how to use chopsticks, but silverware can be provided

on request. When using chopsticks one should keep in mind that it is rude to stick
chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice, because it reminds Japanese people of the
incense burned at funerals. They are never used for pointing. When finished, they will
be placed on the chopstick rest provided, not on a bowl or plate.
Common foods include rice and sushi. It is proper to pick rice up in lumps and
eat slowly. It is sticky and easy to pick up with chopsticks. Japanese do not usually
hold a rice bowl to their mouths and shovel it in as the Chinese do. Also it is normally
not appropriate to mix sauces and other food with rice.
Sushi is rather expensive and considered a luxury. Sushi is made up of a ball of
high gluten rice, so that chopsticks or fingers can more easily take the piece to the
mouth. The ball of rice is wrapped in seaweed and covered with a piece of raw fish
such as tuna or salmon. Sushi comes in pairs so when ordering a sample, each will
come in twos.
Japanese do not engage in animated conversations during the meal. The main
focus is the food, so there often is silence at the table. In addition the one that has
made the invitation is expected to initiate communication.
At the end of the meal the Japanese host will ask for the bill. In Japan it is rude
to suggest that you spilt the bill, and if one has been invited to dinner, they are not
expected to pay. There is no tipping. Accepting an invitation to dinner puts someone
in debt to their host and one should repay the favor later by inviting him out for a
meal.
Jon Alston and Isao Takei mention in their Japanese business culture and
practices: a guide to twenty-first century Japanese business that a more common
business practice is hosting foreign guests to a ceremonial meal or activity. This
begins with a formal reception at a traditional Japanese style rest or elsewhere, often
at an international class hotel. The mood during this type of gathering begins in
formal matter and stays formal even though there will be numerous toasts and
declarations of welcome and appreciation. Often professional entertainers are
included who deliver short messages of respect and welcome at the beginning and
end. There are no discussions of business issues because the purpose is to show
hospitality and to learn more about the personal characters of the guests.
Also both authors signal the importance of solidarity. It is important to show
solidarity with the other members of the group by ordering whatever others are eating.
Asking for suggestions if in doubt is acceptable. A foreigner who is last to order can
order whatever the highest ranking Japanese ordered. It is also acceptable to ask what
others plan to order. The purpose of doing so is showing one is a member of the group
by eating the same food.
Further tips are mentioned in Robert C Sages and Corrie Posers article on
food and eating etiquette. Sipping and slurping is a sign of enjoyment of the
meal and is always permitted. If one must cough, sneeze or sip, a paper napkin
should be used not a handkerchief, as it is generally used only for drying ones
hands after washing. Another advice is to try a little bit of everything. It is
acceptable to ask what something is and even to make faces if it the taste isnt
likable.
Drinking
Japanese business culture and practices: a guide to twenty-first century
Japanese business also talks about the Jap business culture as being a drinking
culture and alcohol plays a central part in business and in being sociable. The use of

alcohol supports the belief that those who have a few alcoholic drinks are more likely
to be honest in what they are saying. Consequently most business invitations include
drinking sessions to allow for more open discussions. The most common drinks are
tea, sake, beer and wine. Since the goal of a drinking session is to encourage honest
conversations, it is important to act relaxed and slightly drunk; otherwise fellowrevelers may not believe you are talking in an honest fashion. It is, of course
important not to drink so much that conversation becomes impossible.
Japan business- the portable encyclopedia for doing business with Japan
mentions that ff the stay in Japan is long enough, one will be invited to accompany
coworkers or business associates to a bar because going to bars is a major form of
social interaction and to be invited along may be a sign that one is accepted as a peer.
Refusing to go can indicate coldness.
Furthermore, the Japanese affinity for heavy drinking has been attributed to
the societys tendency to stifle the individual. Any Japanese find release in alcohol
and become unusually boisterous and assertive only when they are drunk
Examples of proper behavior are given. One should not pour a drink for
himself but allow others to do it. Likewise drinks will be poured for others. Pouring is
done with two hands. In response the drinker presents a cup or glass with two hands:
the left hand is placed underneath the cup or bottle while the right hand steadies the
cup or bottle. The cup or glass is always raised when a glass or cup is being filled. If
there isnt any need for drinking anymore, the glass shouldnt be emptied completely.
An empty glass is an invitation for someone to serve more.
Also, it shouldnt be a surprise if the Japanese party partners regain their
formal attitudes the next day. Japanese are unwilling to discuss a previous nights
behavior at the office and what happened during a drinking spree is not discussed at
the office
Karaoke
Christine Genzberger also writes in her encyclopedia about the karaoke
phenomenon.After dinner one may be invited to go singing at a karaoke club. The
karaoke phenomenon is a technological extension of their natural propensity to sing
with close friends. Karaoke actually means empty orchestra. Karaoke clubs feature
a raised platform with a microphone above which there is a monitor. The monitor
displays preselected music videos with accompanying music but without vocals. The
words to the song are displayed at the bottom of the screen. The designated singer will
then sing the words. Everyone will be forced to sing at least one song when they visit
a karaoke. For the Japanese being a competent singer enhances face, because ones
close friends will be watching. Foreign guests are not expected to sing proficiently but
any attempt to sing will be greeted with much praise and applause.
There is a reason for which karaoke is so popular in Asia. It is mostly because
singing in front of ones peers is one of very few socially acceptable ways in which
an individual can display his or her talent without being branded arrogant or self
centered. It fulfills the latent desire to gain credit as an individual without
jeopardizing the need to be accepted by the whole group
In conclusion, before such a cultural clash it is vital to prepare in advance. The
quantity or the depth of ones research is not particularly important, in the end I
believe it is the will that matters. A small effort will always be more appreciated than
none. Also one can always follow by example and watch others perform activities in
their specific manner. If this doesnt work either, asking questions is a positive way to

achieve information on the spot. Although not recommended in all aspects of how a
business meal should unfold properly, it is a way to express interest and should leave
a positive impression. And a positive impression can pave the way to a great success
in the business environment.

Bibliography
Christine Genzberger, Japan business - the portable encyclopedia for doing business
with Japan, World Trade Press, 1994
Jon Alston,Isao Takei , Japanese business culture and practices: a guide to twentyfirst century Japanese business, iUniverse, 2005
Robert C Sage, Corrie Poser , Doing business in Japan: Food and eating etiquette,
http://www.helium.com/knowledge/46731-doing-business-in-japan-food-andeating-etiquette