Thanks Tracy.


>As long as he knows the word "hai" (which is closer to America's slang 'uh huh' or 'yes I understand') and bows frequently and takes his shoes off indoors he should be ok! :o)
>
>I used to work for a Japanese gentleman. I had to organize business functions and they were quite interesting compared to American business functions. I attended most of the functions and needless to say, women are treated low on the totem pole in those functions! It is social standing first, then lower men, then women (or at least it was back then). I assume more women in senior levels of management has changed that by now (or I hope so anyway)
>
>This was in the mid 80's so it may be out of date, but I remember quite a few of the etiquette rules back then. You definitely want to check it out before you go but Japanese hosts will be polite no matter what terrible offense you commit.
>
>Always bow lower and longer than the other person if he is of a higher social or business status than you. Your host does not necessarily fall into this category but then I don't know how to determine who is of a higher social status - I guess always assume the native Japanese is to be safe.
>
>In business meetings you cannot sit anywhere and in fact should NOT sit until directed to do so. Seating is done by social or business status and you are always directed where to sit. You do not sit until the host sits and do not stand back up until the host stands. Drinks are served by order of social status too so if you get your drink after everyone else you pretty much know where you stand in the order of things. :o) The same is true when visiting in the home - do not sit until invited to do so -- even on the 2nd or subsequent days. Do not rise until your host rises unless you know you are senior to him.
>
>At home, the host typically provides slippers for the guests. A special kind of slipper is worn in the bathroom. You always remove your slippers too when you walk on their special mats (don't remember what they are called).
>
>To thank someone for an invitation you provide the host with a gift such as a sweet, cake, or even alcohol like sake. All Japanese know which Sake is good and which is cheap. They don't typically open a wrapped gift in front of the giver but later when alone but will always show extreme thanks for the gift and ask questions about it (this I thought was strange). If you are given a wrapped gift, do not open it until you leave but show many thanks regardless and question how they made the choice (don't remember why). A good luck amulet is most prised of all gifts or a GOOD fortune on a small decorative piece of paper. They usually (well in the 80s anyway) were always within a certain price range and could even be a kitchen utensil.
>
>Never use red ink in a business meeting (don't remember why).
>
>When invited to dinner, the person who does the inviting always pays but the guests should always offer to pay which will of course be refused. If drinks follow the meal then the guest should pay for those and offer until it is accepted. Never drink out of a bottle but always poor the beverage into a small cup or glass that the host provides.
>
>Never, never, never whistle at night (you will be visited by a snake in your sleep) or sleep towards the North (the deceased are laid to rest that way). There was something you were supposed to do when you pass a funeral car but I can't remember what it was. It seemed silly to me, but then I am not Japanese.
>
>
>
>
>>>Shouldn't that be in any country? ;-)
>>>
>>>>Don't miss to slip out of your shoes if enter someones flat. An old people need to be respectected.
>>
>>Ok
>>step by step
>>the shoes
>>Argh, yes, good style wood do so. But we have a room to transfer and would offer house shoes to our guest. Don't expect this in japan. Remember that flats ar small. For some people extra socks are helpfull. For cold feet and the other reason ::).
>>
>>old people
>>it's different. The old man hanging around in the office is likely the chairman. He is the one that will lead in every way. You will be mostly on the right site if you show respect to old people. Thats means make the bow a little bit deeper. He will welcome you and hand you to the people that deal with your problem on your level.
>>
>>What else?
>>
>>If somebody hands you a businesscard handle it with respect. Get it with a lite bow with both hands. Don't slipt it into your trousers pocket! Be prepared to hand one back.
>>
>>The use of no. It's too offensive. Most kind of yes mean no.
>>
>>Agnes