| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ma (間) | The use of meaningful silence, pausing, and intentional empty space. |
| Kamiza (上座) | The seat of honor where the highest-ranking member from the guest company sits. |
| Shimoza (下座) | The seat closest to the door, where the lowest-ranking member sits. |
| Nemawashi (根回し) | The practice of holding informal discussions before meetings to gain support for a proposal. |
| Wa (和) | The core principle of harmonious balance in relationships, emphasizing group cohesion, mutual respect, and emotional resistance. |
| Shinrai (信頼). | The foundational trust that is built slowly oover time and is necessary for long term business relationships. |
| Ringisho (稟議書) | A formal document used to gain approval for decisions, is a common step in nemawashi. |
| Senpai–Kōhai (先輩-後輩) system | A hierarchical relationship it which senior members are priotozed over junoir members, but are expected to guide and teach junoir members. |
| Senpai (先輩) | A senior colleague who mentors or guides others. |
| Kohai (後輩) | A junior colleague who learns from senior members. |
| Ojigi (お辞儀) | The Japanese cultural practice of bowing the head or upper body as a form of nonverbal communication. |
| Eshaku (軽く会釈) | A casual, polite bow at about 15॰ bow, typically used between coworkers that serves as a quick acknowledgment. |
| Keirei (敬礼) | A standard respectful bow at about 30॰ |
| Saikeirei (最敬礼) | A deeply respectful bow at about 45॰ or greeting very important executives, serious apologies, or deep gratitude. |
| Meishi (名刺) | A business card exchanged during introductions. |
| Shūshin Koyō (終身雇用) | The tradition of hiring new employees after they graduate college and rewarding their longevity at a company with salary increases or promotions. |
| Keigo (敬語) | Respectful language used in professional and formal situations. |
| Sonkeigo (尊敬語) | Language used to elevate the listner by changing the verb. |
| Kenjōgo (謙譲語) | Language used to lower the status of the speaker as a way to show respect to the listener. |
| Teineigo (丁寧語) | The standard polite language that you would use with people you are not familiar with, like a colleague or stranger. |
Japanese business culture is a complex system full of specific languge, actions, and customs. Understanding these terms is a first step to learning this unique culture. When foreigners eneter the world of Japanese business, they are not expected to have every skill mastered. But by showing initial understaindg and rescpect for the customs, you make a positive first impressions to your new collegues.