Consultation on Japan

Do you always need to add the suffix ‘san’ when addressing somebody, and should you be using their surname; their first name; or both (and in which order)? Should you bow to Japanese clients, even when you’re the more senior? Why is tea ‘honourable’?!

Japan and the West have cross-pollinated for over a century, yet despite the close links – financial, diplomatic and cultural – different practices and etiquette still abound to trip up the unprepared interlocutor. It can take decades to appreciate the nuances of Japanese business procedure, and perhaps nothing can substitute for a native upbringing in appreciating the idiosyncratic specifics of Japanese customs and practices.

I can advise on how best to navigate through your interactions, whether they’re business related or tourism alone, ensuring that your dealings are smooth and amicable.