| Some Common Gestures |
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A negative response is indicated by fanning the right hand in front of the face, as if brushing away a fly |
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Nodding is very common which indicates you are listening but it doesn't mean you understand what is being said. |
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To indicate oneself, the Japanese point to their nose. |
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The sign for money is the "okay" sign in the U.S. |
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A man can be symbolized by our "thumbs up" sign. However, use caution-this can refer to a woman's lover, a father, or the president of the company. |
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Eating is demonstrated by holding an imaginary bowl in the left hand and making a motion with the right as if shoveling rice into the mouth with chopsticks. |
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Let's go drinking can be signaled by lifting an imaginary sake cup with the index finger and thumb. |
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Calling or beckoning someone to you is done European-style, with the palm facing downward. |
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Excuse me, used when walking between or in front of someone is indicated by a moving hand repeatedly in front of the face. |
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Embarrassment, shyness or modesty is shown by women by covering the mouth. Women also cover the mouth with the hand when laughing. |
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Indicating someone is crazy is done with the fist next to your head, level with the ear, and then releasing the fist suddenly. |
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| Sitting
& Standing |
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When speaking with someone, do not leave hands in pockets. |
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Do not stand with legs crossed over the other. |
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Do not lean against a wall or door. |
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Do not sit with the ankle over the knee. |
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May sit with legs Crossed at the ankles or knees. |
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Do not stick legs out in front of you - chair or tatami. |
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Do not sit in a way that shows the soles of your shoes. |
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Sit on the edge of a chair or sofa to show respect. |
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Leaning back in a chair shows familiarity. |
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When sitting on tatami, first start out sitting on your legs and then shift into a less formal position. Women may tuck their legs to one side, but not sit cross-legged (acceptable for men). |
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| Distance & Touching |
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The Japanese like more space between themselves than others. Bowing too close to each other could be dangerous! |
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Touching is also taboo in Japan. The American pat on the back or arm around the shoulder is to be avoided. |
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Rarely is kissing accepted as a greeting. Some Japanese with extensive European experience will be familiar with this form of greeting. |
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Bowing is the common greeting in Japan, however, the handshake is becoming more popular, particularly among those who work with international guests and clients and among young people. |
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| Emotions |
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When is a smile not a smile? The Japanese smile to communicate various emotions: anger, embarrassment, sadness, and disappointment. Interpretation depends on context. |
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Eye contact is thought of as rude in Japan. They will often look down at their shoes or off in the air. Take care to not stare. |
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Silence in Japan is golden and is often used as a negotiating strategy. Do not be tempted to jump in and fill the silence. |
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