1. Japanese Etiquette: Cultural Do’s and Don’ts Pre-Departure Seminar in New York 2012 JET Program June 30, 2012 The Nippon Club

2. Wait to be introduced. While foreigners are expected to shake hands, the traditional form of greeting is the bow. Men generally bow with their hands at their sides. Women have their hands in front. Meishi Exchange: The general procedure is to 1) Bow, 2) Hand over your business card with the right hand while simultaneously accepting a card with the left, 3) State your name, and 4) Bow again. Repeat this procedure for every person you newly meet. Do not slide your card across the table. If you do not have a card to exchange, you should receive a card with both hands. During a meeting, never write on a card or stuff it into a wallet or your back pocket. Place the business cards on the table in front of you in the order people are seated. Introductions

3. Wait to be told where to sit. There is a protocol to be followed. After taking off your shoes, line them up with the toes pointing outward. Sitting on floor: Men usually sit cross-legged, while women on both legs to one side or in the seiza position. Don’t eat or drink until after the initial "kampai”. Don’t pour your own drink. Expect those sitting around you to refill your glass for you, and vice versa. If you don't want any more to drink, leave your glass full. Small bowls or plates should be brought up to the mouth rather than bending one's head toward it. It is acceptable to slurp certain foods, especially ramen or soba noodles. Toilet slippers are for the exclusive use of the bathroom. Don’t wear them outside of this room. At an Enkai (Drinking Party)

4. Chopsticks Manners Do not plant your chopsticks in your bowl of rice. If you are supplied with chopstick rests, use them. In other words, don’t rest your chopsticks on your bowl or other food receptacle. Do not pass food from chopstick to chopstick. Use the clean, opposite ends of your chopsticks when taking food from a common dish. Do not point your chopsticks at people or things. Cut large pieces of food into small pieces with the ends of your chopsticks. Do not use one chopstick at a time, especially not to spear food. Do not rub wooden chopsticks together. When you have finished eating, place your chopsticks on the chopstick rest.

5. General Etiquette Refrain from eating while standing or walking in the street. Most cities do not have garbage cans along the streets. If you do have trash, carry it with you until you find a garbage receptacle. Tissue, handkerchief or hand towel: The Japanese like to carry these items for several reasons. They're useful in wiping the perspiration off your face during the hot summer months. Also, some public restrooms do not provide hand towels or dryers. Refrain from blowing your nose in public. The Japanese use paper tissue for this purpose. It is considered rude to blow into a handkerchief. While on a trip, the Japanese generally buy and bring back omiyage or a small gift, usually edible, to share with co-workers.