Japan
- Ignoring Hierarchy: Japan places great importance on social and corporate hierarchies. Always recognize and defer to seniority in meetings or social settings.
- Improper Business Card Etiquette: When exchanging business cards, present and receive the card with both hands and take a moment to examine it carefully before putting it away respectfully.
- Direct Eye Contact: In Japanese culture, excessive eye contact is considered confrontational or overly bold. It’s better to maintain softer, less direct eye contact.
- Pointing Feet: The feet are considered the lowest part of the body, and using them to point at objects or people is considered extremely disrespectful.
- Declining an Invitation: Rejecting an invitation from a colleague or a superior, even if you have a legitimate reason, is often seen as a refusal to build a personal relationship.