“(O)jigi”, or bowing in English, is probably the feature of Japanese etiquette that is best-known through media and TV. Bowing is considered extremely important in Japan, so much so that, although children normally begin learning how to bow from a very young age, companies commonly provide training to their employees in how to execute bows correctly Basic bows are performed with the back straight and the hands at the sides (boys and men) or clasped in the lap (girls and women), and with the eyes down.

“Meishi” are the Japanese equivalent of business cards. They have a special meaning and to receive a business card without due care and attention can be seen as a personal slight. The correct way to present meishi is hold at the top corners with the lettering facing the person receiving the card. The receiver should then take the card by both lower corners, read it carefully and place it somewhere safe. When exchanging meishi the individual of lower status will pass their card first, and the individual of higher status will pass their card second.

“Keigo” is a polite style of Japanese used frequently in business when talking to superiors. Keigo (literally “respectful speech”) is used to show respect or humility in the face of people you are unfamiliar with. It is often not taught in schools or at home so many businessmen receive lessons when they enter a company.

“Uchi/Soto” means, roughly, Inner/Outer and refers to your relationship with a particular group. In Japan status is conferred not only vertically, i.e. superior and subordinate, but also horizontally, i.e. those with whom you are familiar and those with whom you are not. The group dynamic is a very important one and when you first meet anyone you will immediately take up the position of outsider, soto, even if you are from different branches of the same company or work in the same field.

Silence is very important in Japan. Though you may feel uncomfortable, try to analyse what sort of a silence it is, whether it is a respectful silence or an upset silence. There is a definite connection between silence and wisdom. The Japanese character for Knowledge combines the characters for losing and mouth, which goes to show that the Japanese consider people wise who refrain from speaking. As the old proverb goes, “better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove any doubt”.

Gifts in Japan are given to show appreciation of a favour done for you or to establish a sound business or personal relationship. Gifts should be something from your country and of a reasonably high quality, preferably with a special significance to your company or local area and not made in Asia. Gifts should be wrapped in “business colours” like dark greens, greys, blues and browns, but avoid white as it symbolises death. Gifts should be given and received with both hands, as with meishi. Remember that to your business partners the gift you give and the way that you give it reveal a lot about your character and your attitude towards business.

Meals in Japan traditionally begin with the phrase “itadakimasu” (literally, “I receive”). The phrase is similar to the phrase “bon appétit,” or grace, used in the case of some individuals, at every meal. It is said to express gratitude for all who had a part in preparing the food, and in cultivating, ranching or hunting edible food of plants and animals.

Western people often ask, “Isn’t all Asian home decor about the same?” The shortest answer is simply, “Absolutely not!” The traditional school of thought in Japanese home decoration has been influenced by its own unique culture. As you may already know, Japan sees the focus of home decor to rest upon spatial matters. This is why shoji screens are often used in the Japanese household. The correct use of space is the implied purpose in this tradition. It is helpful to know a few facts about Japan’s collective art, its long history, its unique society, and its distinctive culture to better appreciate their viewpoint on Asian home decor.

Generally speaking, Japanese art covers a wide range of styles which would include media as well. Ancient pottery, sculpture in wood and bronze, and ink painting on silk and paper are all important parts of the traditions dating back thousands of years. These art forms, needless to say, also have a very long history. They were evident from the beginnings of human habitation in Japan which is roughly dated in the 10th millennium B.C. They have remained constant to the present.

Historically, Japan has been subject to sudden invasions of new and foreign ideas. These invasions were followed by long periods of time when there was little contact with the outside world. These facts in Japan’s art world reflect similar political and social realities. So, over the course of time, Japanese people developed the skillful ability to assimilate certain foreign elements from outside cultures. However, they were careful to ensure that these foreign elements were a distinct complement to their own aesthetic preferences. Japan has always been very insistent about keeping foreign influence in their art and society to a minimum.

The earliest complex art in Japan was produced in the 7th and 8th centuries A.D. There was a definite connection to Buddhism in this trend as well. In the 9th century the Japanese began to turn away from China and to develop more indigenous kinds of art expression. In this period secular arts became more and more important to Japan. However, until the latter 15th century both religious and secular art forms continued to flourish. It was after the Onin War (1467-1477) that Japan entered a period of political disruption which consequently deeply influenced their social and economic systems. This disruption’s effect lasted for more than a century.

Since Japan began to limit foreign influence early in its history, China’s art trends were allowed to have only a limited effect on its art and culture. The Chinese influence is still evident because of China’s age and even longer history. However, Japan successfully created its own identity and has maintained it in a disciplined way over time. Painting is considered to be the preferred artistic expression. In Japan, painting is practiced by both amateurs and professionals. Ceramics of the Japanese variety are considered to be among the finest in the whole world. This is equally true of the earliest artifacts known in their culture. Japan seems to have always taken great pride in the way their art was crafted… and how. So in the related field of architecture Japan prefers natural materials along with an interaction of interior and exterior space. The way this interaction is designed displays the distinctly “Japanese” origin.