Here are some simple tips to create a positive impression on Japanese colleagues or clients or even friends..
- Accept and offer visiting cards with both hands. Read the visiting card that you have received before putting it inside your purse. Never shove it inside your purse without reading.
- Souvenirs for team mates after a vacation and a token gift such as cookies for neighbors after moving into a new apartment will make you seem like a warm person.
- While a bit of hand movement is okay, too much of animated hand movement can seem bossy or juvenile depending on your age.
- While Indians lightly place their fingers on the chest while referring to themselves Japanese usually put their index finger on the tip of their nose to indicate “me” “myself” .
- Hands crossed in front of the body to make an “x” means “not okay” and making a circle with index finger and thumb with the other three fingers opened out is “okay”.
- Bring hands together like the Indian “namaste” and make a slight bow while saying “gomen nasai”(sorry) – your apology stands a better chance of being accepted:-)
