Japanese Work Culture: What to Expect

Japanese work culture is unique — long hours, hierarchy, and after-work drinking. Here's what you need to know.

The Basics

Work Etiquette

Punctuality

• Arrive 5–10 minutes early — being late is very disrespectful
• If late — apologize profusely
• Trains delay — get a delay certificate (遅延証明書)

Dress Code

Communication

Business Cards (名刺 — meishi)

How to Exchange

1. Present with both hands — facing the recipient
2. Say your name and company — briefly
3. Receive with both hands — look at the card
4. Don't write on it — disrespectful
5. Place on table — during meeting (not in pocket)

Tips

• Bring plenty — 50+ cards
• English on one side — Japanese on the other
• Keep them organized — card case is essential
• Treat with respect — it represents the person

After-Work Drinking (飲み会 — nomikai)

What to Expect

Tips

1. Go — it's important for networking
2. Don't drink too much — know your limits
3. Pour for others — never pour your own drink
4. Say "kanpai" (cheers) — before drinking
5. Join the games — nomikai games are fun
6. Be social — talk to colleagues
7. Don't discuss work — it's social time
8. Thank the organizer — at the end

Vacation

Tips

1. Learn Japanese — essential for most jobs
2. Be patient — building trust takes time
3. Follow hierarchy — respect seniority
4. Join nomikai — networking happens after work
5. Document everything — Japanese business values records
6. Don't say "no" directly — use indirect language
7. Be punctual — being late is very disrespectful
8. Understand the culture — it's different from the West