Updated 6 October 2026
Greetings and business meetings
A greeting, a nod and a handshake when offered are a comfortable starting point. Use the name or title your host prefers. Present and receive business cards attentively, arrive on time and confirm the agenda. Etiquette varies by company and generation, so follow the host rather than rigid stereotypes.
At the table
Let your host guide seating and shared dishes. Use serving utensils when available and avoid standing chopsticks upright in rice. State dietary restrictions clearly. You can politely decline alcohol and toast with tea; drinking is a personal choice. Clarify who is hosting rather than assuming payment rules.
Gifts and company policy
A modest local craft or book can be thoughtful, but first check company gift rules. Avoid expensive or highly personal gifts. Traditional symbolism matters to some hosts and not others; a simple, respectful explanation is more useful than memorising a universal list of taboos.
Photography and living communities
Ask before photographing people, homes, workshops or ceremonies. A visit does not imply permission to publish someone’s portrait. Follow factory, museum and temple signs, avoid restricted areas and keep voices low where others are working or worshipping.