US(Host) Japan (Guest)

Body 1. Nodding is used in many cultures and in 1)Bowing is one of the most important things in
those cultures. It can mean many things — all of Japanese etiquette for any occasion, in both formal
position which we can’t possibly cover here. and informal settings. It’s also one of the most
and 2. But it’s important to realize that when you’re common Japanese body language gestures. Bowing
having a meeting with an American, they will can represent a number of things, such as greetings,
gestures likely be shaking their head up and down gratitude, and apologies. In the meeting Japanese
(nodding) very slowly. This does not mean bow with upper body to 30 degrees to express the
“yes”, “I agree” or “I like what you’re saying.” It respectful saluting; greeting to a client, customer,
is simply the way that Americans show that boss, etc. The lower and longer duration of the bow,
they are listening to you. 3. The Thumbs Up, the higher degree of respect displayed by the bowie.
curling the fingers into a fist and extending the Vaguely similar to how the firmness of the
thumb upwards is known as a “thumbs up”. To handshake determines the level of confidence and
Americans, this means, “I approve” or “good respect one has for the individual. (Females maintain
work”. both arms to the front, with hands on top of legs.
4. Space, American people do not like little Males keep arms to their sides.)
space between themselves and their specking 2) Nodding is very important. When listening to
partners and they do not like to touch or being Japanese speaking, especially English, Japanese nod
touched while having conservation. Even if they to show that you are listening and understanding the
are on meeting, public programs, at sporting speaker.
events or in the theatre. They usually slide into 3) If want to say “OK” Japanese give a person a
a crowed aisle while facing the people. thumbs-up or put your hands up above your hand,
5. They use the frequent gesture of shaking bend them in the elbows a bit to form a big “O”
hands when at greeting. They learn this gesture (called maru in Japanese).
at a very young age and very often use it. 4) Do not stand near a Japanese person. Avoid
6. Postures, slouching in the seat needs to touching. Japanese only touch a person who is really
avoid in the meeting of US. Good posture is close to them. If they happen to be touched, they
important whenever you are, but especially so may sympathize because you are a foreigner, but
in meetings where you're sitting for an they will probably still feel embarrassed or annoyed.
extended period of time. In US and many other 5) In diplomatic meetings, Japanese people also
countries Slouching can translate to a lack of shake hands, but the bowing reflex makes it difficult.
respect for the speaker and communicates an 6) Sit upright with your feet on the floor. Never sit
apathetic attitude with ankles on knees.

Facial Americans have little emotional control. they In Japan, facial expressions are only used for simple
express their emotions clearly and directly emotions. Happiness, anger, surprise, and
Expression outside, even during the meetings with their ambivalence are common ones. Emotions like
partners, to show whether they are satisfied or disgust and frustration are more likely to be
unsatisfied with the cooperation. They are expressed in words rather than a furrow of the brow
open-minded to receive facial expressions from or an up-turned lip. • It is common for Japanese
their partners. • In the meeting, through people to maintain a placid expression and smile
expressions such as smiling, scowling, pouting during an interaction regardless of the topic • During
or wincing, it can be easy to identify whether a conversation Japanese people usually have a
they have negative or positive intention neutral facial expression, and don't show a lot of
towards cooperation projects. • As the host of emotion. It's best to maintain a neutral facial
the meeting, Americans become more expression as well with people you've just met and
proactive. However, with Japanese partners business associates. Once a close friendship is
who have a lot of differences in culture, some formed you can begin being more yourself, and
intensely negative facial expressions can make express more exaggerated facial expressions. •
 the opponent feel uncomfortable in Some expressions to look out for are when people
cooperation. start to scratch the back of their head, or their
eyebrow. These subtle gestures can be a sign of
distress and that you're making people

Eye- In the United States, eye contact is considered In Japanese culture, direct eye contact just isn’t a
contact an important indicator of confidence, requirement. - Prolonged eye contact (staring) is
effectiveness and openness. - In the meeting in considered rude and make Japanese people
US, it is particularly important that you make uncomfortable - Japanese managers make less eye
eye contact when you are introduced to contact than U.S. managers during business
someone, and when they are speaking to you. - negotiations. - When meeting a Japanese person
The minimum rule when communicating with make brief eye contact with them to acknowledge
US managers is to look directly into the eyes of their presence, but then adjust your gaze a little
the opposite person and keep eye contact lower to their neck or chin. - In Japanese culture,
during the conversation. - Americans judge that direct eye contact means aggression, rudeness,
you do not look directly into the eyes of the insistence of equality, and even belligerence. - It is
other person but look around or look at the normal practice in Japan for people in business
ground as a dishonest or disrespectful person. - meetings to keep shifting their eyes away during the
Form of gaze is used: Formal gaze. It means that discussion.
the speaker gazes at the imaginary triangle
formed on the other person's forehead (in an
upward direction on the arc between the two
eyes and the forehead). Through this gaze, the
speaker can often remain in control of a formal
interaction. - However, making prolonged eye
contact with (staring at) someone who is not
either speaking to you or hearing you speak is
often considered rude in American culture.

Although there are different cultures of eye contact, but as a global manager, they need to learn and
overcome those differences to have successful negotiations. In this case, the US manager should refrain
from making eye contact with the Japanese manager because the US is the host country, they need to
show respect to their guest country. Besides, the Japanese manager should also make a little more eye
contact with the US side to show respect for the Americans as well as with this meeting.

Proxemics Type of proxemics: - Intimate distance: is that which is used for very confidential communications. This
zone of distance is characterized by 0 to 2 feet of space between two individuals. Example: two people
hugging, holding hands, or standing side-by-side. People in intimate distance share a unique level of
comfort with one another. Those who are not comfortable with someone who approaches them in the
intimate zone will experience a great deal of social discomfort or awkwardness.