I read an interesting article today. It touches base on how to properly eat sushi in Japan, how not to handle your chopsticks, tips on business meetings, the art of bowing, how to give a gift, and a few other topics.

Click here to check out the article.

Here are a few that really stood out to me.

1. Exchanging Business Cards
   It’s very important that yours be crisp, clean, and presentable; you will be handing them out often. A card should be offered with both hands, and received with either your right hand or with both. Look at it long enough to convey that you’re processing the presenter’s name and rank and the importance of his or her title-even if you don’t know what it means. You can show it to your concierge later for a full translation.
2. The Art of the Bow
   There are three types of bows in Japan; you’ll be using the first almost exclusively. Here’s who they’re for”¦
   • 115 degrees (a quick dip of the head and shoulders)|
     For neighbors and friends.
   • 230 degrees
     For saying good morning to a colleague, thanking a boss for assigning you a task, or entering an important meeting.
   • 345 degrees (really bending at the waist)
     For the president of a company, when showing deep appreciation or sympathy, or upon greeting the emperor. This one is reserved for rare occasions and is considered disturbing or disingenuous when overused
3. Dress up for a bit
   Fashion is fairly Western in Japan, but “you don’t see many-how should I say it-mature men in T-shirts and shorts,” Fautt says. A polo shirt is about as casual as it gets. Women should go easy on the tank tops
4. Never eat or drink while walking
   Although vending machines are ubiquitous, locals buy their soda, drink it by the machine, throw the empty away, and continue on their way. No one eats while walking, and public consumption of alcohol is even worse. “Walking around with a beer makes you look like an idiot,” Fautt says.