1. Alexander Martin

2. Japan Information  Home of 120 million people  Small Island in the pacific not much bigger than Italy  One of the largest cities, Toyko.

3. Japan’s Flag  In the Japanese flag, the red circle represents the sun.  This flag has a very old history dating back to the samurais.  Japan’s currency is the yen and one yen is worth.01 to Us dollars

4. Things to know before Traveling  To enter Japan you obviously need a passport and visa.  Crime in Japan is drastically lower than in America. Also the amount of translators are about average.  If you do commit a crime in Japan, you are subject to its laws.  Japan has the highest cost of living.  Also Japan accepts American money also, since summer of 2010

5. A few JAPANESE words/Phrases.  Hello…………….. こんにちは  Hamburger…....... ハンバーガー  It’s Godzilla……… そのゴジラ  Samurai Sword…. 日本刀  Thank you……….. ありがとう

6. Making Appointments  Typically Business Hours in Japan are from 9-5.  Making appointments are usually done via email or through a phone.  Meetings can start around 10 in the morning or 1:30 in the afternoon.  Try being early for meetings and be punctual during the meeting.  Also give some parameters for how long the meeting should last to avoid meetings from dragging on

7. Business Appropriate Dress  For a first time meeting, try and avoid anything that stands out to much.  A white t-shirt with no tie is appropriate in Japan, because according to the Prime Minister it reduces air conditioning costs.  For Women, stick with a formal outfit with minimal amounts of make-up and jewelry.

8. Good and bad Topics of Conversation  Good  Baseball is a good Ice- Breaker, mostly because MlB games are broadcasted in Japan.  Japanese arts or theater, because that is a very important part of their culture.  Bad  Talking about WWII and how America destroyed Japan.  Talking about the atomic bomb.

9. Addressing Other  It’s the norm to and –san to the end of someone's name. example ( Suzuki- san)  This shows respect to whom ever you speak to.  Try not to use the word “uh” in conversation.

10. Acceptable Behavior  Japanese are now used to shaking hands in business.  Adding a slight bow of your head while shaking his/her hand shows respect.  Avoid crossing your legs.  Sit up and be attentive.  Turn to the side to cough or sneeze.

11. Gift Giving  Gift Giving is not uncommon in Japan  Either the present should be given to them, before or after the meeting.  Alcohol or name brand items are good gifts to give.  Present the gift with two hands, shows more respect.

12. Negotiating  Even Before negotiating make a strong lasting relationship with your who ever it is your doing business with. Like golfing with them.  While Negotiating, its hard to introduce new ideas, so try saying it from different angles would help.  Japanese business people are very analytical and detail oriented, so meetings can last for a while.  Respect Japanese policies is very important while making business.  Japanese use the word “yes” as a way to state “I understand”, so it doesn’t necessarily mean they agree.

13. Entertaining  Take them to lunch around from 12-1.  There is no specific place to go but ask what they like.  Golf would be a great thing to do with them.

14. Dining  Korean barbeques, Curry Place, Noodle Shop, or Sushi Shops are great places to eat at with whom ever your doing better with.  Avoid Fast food places.  Know the customs how they eat at that restaurant, like chopsticks  Never stick your chopsticks upright in rice because it is a sign of death. lol

15. Comparison to the US. American BusinessJapanese Business  Us business does not accept gift giving.  Shaking your hand is a sign of greeting and respect.  Taking your Business Partner to lunch is a common practice in both Japan and Us  Japan likes the custom of gift giving.  Bowing your head to your business partner is a sign of Respect  Dressing is similar to Us Style expect they typically do not wear ties.