Japanese and Non-Verbal Communications

                     Non-Verbal Communication  

   Japan is a high-context culture and the Japanese society rely heavily on non-verbal communication such as gestures. In Japan, even the smallest gestures carries great meaning. Non-verbal communication is very vital in Japan and therefore it is advisable to be careful when conducting a business with the Japanese or in Japan. Some of the non-verbal communication and gestures by a Japanese individual are listed below.

                                                              

                                                                  Eye Contact

   In Japan, making an eye contact with another person is considered rude, it leads to uncomfortableness and can be considered as a sign of aggression. When speaking to or approaching a Japanese individual, be sure to make a very brief eye contact to signal the individual, but then maintain appropriate eye level, such as the individual's neck.

                                                                    Gestures

 Here is a list of the common and not-so-common body gestures used by the Japanese.

Itadakimasu and Gochisohsama

Itadakimasu is said before eating     a meal and Gochisohsama is said after eating a meal

Ojigi

This is also known as bowing. Japanese does not have the custom of shaking hands, Japanese practices bowing, this is a form of greeting apart of hand shakes.

Onegai! Gomen.

This is a gesture used when saying "sorry" or when accepting something while feeling apologetic for having inconvenienced the other person.

The above pictures are a few common gestures performed by the Japanese society. For more info about gestures you are welcomed to visit the source where these were taken Japanese Gestures

                                      A simple guide to Japanese gestures video

                                                       Personal Appearance

      

     In Japan, men should wear dark conservative attire, business suits are most suitable. Casual dress is never appropriate in a business meeting. Women's dress should be conservative. Little emphasis should be placed on accessories and they should be minimal. Women should not wear pants in a business situation because Japanese men tend to find it offensive. Women should only wear low-heeled shoes to avoid towering over man. Pointing is not acceptable in Japan and it is not recommended to blow your nose in public. The Japanese are not uncomfortable with silence. They use it to their advantage in many situations. Allow your host to sit in silence.