A Travel Etiquette Guide to Dining with Japanese Business Associates

In a previous article, I had written that when traveling to other cultures on business, you need to know the proper ways of doing things in that culture. In that article, I specifically talked about the proper etiquette when exchanging business cards with Japanese business people. In this article, I would like to discuss another very common situation in which you might find yourself while traveling to Japan on business: dining out with your business associates.

Let's first discuss one of the most obviously different things about dining out in Japan versus western cultures...the use of chopsticks. In Japan, chopsticks are used to eat most types of food served. These days of course, there are obviously many types of restaurants including western style ones that don't use chopsticks. But if you're going to travel to Japan, you should be prepared to be taken out to dine at a Japanese establishment. So first of all, learn how to use chopsticks. Once you've mastered the use of chopsticks, pay attention to these tips.

If you are finished eating or when you are simply not using your chopsticks, place them together in front of you with the tips pointing to the left.

Don't spear food with your chopsticks, and do not stick your chopsticks into your bowl of rice.

Don't point with your chopsticks, especially at other people. This is considered rude. You also shouldn't waive your chopsticks around or play with them.

If there is a shared plate of food on the table, use the opposite end of the chopsticks (the end you have not eaten with) to grab the food. This is just simply being considerate.

Now that we've discussed the use of chopsticks, here are some tips regarding table manners. Most of these are fairly common-sense type of things that most cultures would also consider proper etiquette.

Blowing your nose at the table is considered rude. Besides, it's unsanitary and can cause the spread of germs. So don't do it.

In contrast to some other parts of Asia, letting out a burp at the dining table is considered rude.

You should try to finish the food on your plate, down to the last grain of rice. This is considered good manners.

Don't discuss unappetizing topics during the meal, such as toilet related items or similar topics.

When you are finished with your meal, it is considered polite to return all items to their original place. For instance, replace the lids on plates or bowls and place your chopsticks in their original position.

Ok, so what about drinking. Everybody has a drink or two at business dinners, right? Well, here are a couple of tips on drinking.

It is always considered appropriate to serve alcoholic drinks to one another, rather than pouring for yourself. Especially if you are a junior associate, try to be aware of when others are running low and fill their glasses. If you are running low, simply finish your drink and someone will undoubtedly pour your some more. If someone indicates that he wants to pour you a drink (this is a friendly gesture), empty your glass quickly and tip your glass toward that person.

Don't start drinking until everyone has been served and their glasses filled. It is customary for all at the table to raise their glasses for a "Kampai" (sort of a "cheers") before starting the drinking.

One final item on dining out in Japan...it is not customary to pay a tip in Japan. In fact, if you leave a tip the waiter or waitress might chase you down in order to return your money. It is simply enough to say thank you as you leave.