In many western cultures it is perfectly acceptable to stroll into work a few minutes late and very normal to be "fashionably late" to parties, but in Japan being late is far from OK in any situation. Whether the meeting is business or pleasure, tardiness shows a great lack of respect to the people you are meeting, as well as a lack of care for the meeting itself. In a country reputed to have the most punctual railway system in the world, being late is never acceptable. A good rule of thumb is to err on the side of caution and aim to be 10 to 15 minutes early to every single appointment.
When meeting you for the first time in a business setting, the Japanese will always present you with their business cards, or meishi. When you receive a card, you must "receive" it the right way. Always use both hands, and take the card at the corners, without covering any part of the information with your fingers. Thank the person for the card and give a slight bow. Afterward, do not bend the card, write on it or put it directly into your pocket. Either place it on the table before you or hold on to it until the meeting is over.
Many Asian cultures adopt the practice of removing shoes before coming into the house, and the Japanese are no exception. The custom is deep-rooted and dates back to the Heian period (794 to 1192 A.D.), when the upper class noticed that their dwellings were quickly dirtied by their footwear. The practice spread out to the masses and soon became tradition. When you enter a Japanese home, take your shoes off and place them at the genkan, the area just beyond the entrance. You'll then walk freely inside with your bare feet or socks, or your host will provide you with house slippers to wear.
When they know you come from a culture that predominantly uses knives, forks and spoons, your Japanese hosts will forgive your lack of expertise with the sticks. What they'll have trouble forgiving, however, is how you use the sticks. Avoid waving or pointing your chopsticks at someone, which will seem like an aggressive action. Don't use your chopsticks to move plates or bowls on the table, as this shows a lack of care for the food. Finally, never stick your chopsticks into your food (your bowl of rice, for example) and leave them there, and never pass food from your set of chopsticks to another set: Both these actions resemble actions performed at traditional Japanese funerals and rituals. To be on the safe side, use your chopsticks only to transfer food from your plate to your mouth.
Japan is very much a drinking culture. After a hard day's work, the Japanese love to enjoy a drink or two or five. When you go drinking with a Japanese friend, let him pour you your drink. Hold your glass with two hands as he is pouring. Then return the favor and pour a drink for him. Before you take your first sip, wait until everyone at your table has a drink in hand. You'll all toast with the traditional "kampai" before taking your first drink.
