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- PRELIMINARIES:
- Research the firm you are approaching. Is it a subsidiary
- or a subcontractor to another firm? Is it affiliated with
- a group of companies (keiretsu)? What is its bank affil-
- iation,its customers,its suppliers? Set up an interpreter
- and a go-between.
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- Use a tested interpreter and brief him before the meeting
- on points important to you. He should have some understanding
- of the topic and possess rhetorical ability.He should be
- able to help you understand what is not being said and the
- asides in Japanese.
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- Japanese businessmen treat people more positively when they
- come recommended by a contact.
- The best introduction is from a high-level executive from
- a company or bank related to the company you are approaching;
- or a family friend; or a teacher of the person you are
- meeting. Firms have been setup to act as go-betweens for
- foreign firms who seek partners and outlets in the market-
- place. An example is SEIBU International Ltd for the
- department store group. Go-betweens can interpret one side's
- view to the other, smoothing out the edges.The go-between
- expects some form of compensation, be it direct payment or
- perhaps a complimentory trip to a nice resort. The
- go-between should be of status equal to the people he
- contacts (usually on the mid-management level). He
- should have an understanding of American business practices
- and culture.
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- Do not be too quick to shake hands. Do not use 'SAN'
- until you know the person.
- Dress conservatively. In Japan, adults seldom wear
- flashy designs and colors. (Woman should wear reasonably
- long and loose skirts - no pants).
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- BUSINESS CARDS AND GREETINGS:
- Always have business cards ('meishi') with one side printed
- in English and the other side printed in Japanese.
- These should indicate your name,title,and company.
- Make sure that everyone receives the same card or
- handout or gift.
- Store the cards in an attractive metal holder. Do not use
- a plastic card case. Gold plate is preferred.
- Do not run out of cards when you are making calls
- or receiving visitors. You may need at least fourty
- or fifty for a large meeting.
- Never take the card out of your back pocket.
- Present the card with both hands with the Japanese
- side up.
- Stand up when you present or receive a card.
- Place the card of the person speaking to you in front
- of you during discussions. This will inform you
- of the level of the person who is speaking and
- the position and status are indicators of how
- a visitor should conduct himself.
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