For any country that you are traveling to, it is important to learn its business customs and traditions. Showing up well prepared in a Japanese business context is both a sign of respect and a powerful way to deepen what you learn on the EMBA international trip. Business norms in Japan tend to be more formal, structured, and subtle than many participants are used to, which makes preparation especially valuable. Japanese business leaders will be more than just subject matter experts in their industry; they will also possess a deep understanding of history and appreciate design & art. Japanese companies value hierarchy, group harmony, and consensus building. Respect for seniority is also very important. 

Greetings, bowing, and business cards  

Initial greetings are often more restrained than in North America, with a small bow and a light handshake rather than an enthusiastic, prolonged grip. Aim for a gentle, brief handshake, maintain eye contact only softly, and mirror the depth of your counterpart’s bow rather than overdoing it.

Exchanging business cards (meishi) is a small ceremony, not a quick transaction. Present your card with both hands, oriented so the other person can read it, and receive theirs with both hands as well, taking a moment to look at the card before carefully placing it in a card case rather than a pocket or bag.

Punctuality, dress, and meeting behavior  

Punctuality in Japan is non-negotiable, and arriving “on time” usually means being in the lobby or meeting room several minutes early, ready to begin. The “five-minute rule” is expected. Build in extra time for navigating office buildings and elevators so the cohort consistently signals reliability and respect for the hosts’ schedule. 

Dress codes tend to be conservative: dark suits, simple ties, and understated accessories for men; professional, modest attire in neutral colors for women. In the meeting room, wait to be guided to a seat, keep laptops and phones put away unless explicitly invited to use them, and avoid side conversations while others are speaking. Gender roles in Japan are evolving, but senior leaders still tend to be men. 

Manners are crucial for showing respect and consideration for others. 

Communication: reading the room  

Communication styles in Japanese business settings often rely on indirect cues, strategic use of silence, and a strong emphasis on group harmony. Silence is not necessarily disagreement; it can signal careful consideration, so resist the urge to “fill” quiet moments, and instead watch facial expressions and body language. Each person has a “public face” that may be different from their feelings. 

Feedback and disagreement may be expressed subtly, through qualification (“perhaps,” “it may be difficult”) rather than blunt refusals. Decision-making can be consensus-driven and iterative, so a single meeting may be one step in a longer process rather than a moment for instant commitments. The process of consensus-building matters. Leaders will ask junior staff for feedback, but it is expected to be indirect and respectful. 

Take the time to learn a few basic phrases (eg, please and thank you). Duolingo is a great mobile app to help learn a little language for the country that you are traveling to. 

Maximizing company visits as an EMBA cohort  

To get the most from each visit, encourage participants to prepare a small set of thoughtful questions that link directly to course concepts—strategy, innovation, operations, or leadership—rather than generic queries. Think about the tools, frameworks, and strategies that you have learned about in your EMBA program. Assign informal “roles” (e.g., one person focusing on organizational culture, another on digital strategy) to ensure a broad range of perspectives in the discussion.

Structured note-taking helps transform rich but fleeting impressions into usable insight later. Suggest a simple template: an overview of the company, defining their business model (e.g., B2C, B2B, DTC, etc.). 3–5 key observations, one surprise, and one takeaway for personal leadership practice, to be completed after each visit.

Representing the school professionally  

Everyone on the trip—students, faculty, and guests—embodies the university’s reputation in front of senior executives and partners. Setting clear expectations about punctuality, participation, and appropriate behavior at social events ensures that the group presents a unified, professional image.

Encourage everyone in the group to see themselves as hosts as well as guests, extending gratitude to company representatives, engaging shy classmates, and following up with thank-you notes or reflections where appropriate. This mindset reinforces respect for Japanese business norms while modeling the kind of global professionalism the EMBA experience is designed to cultivate.

The EMBA international residency is an opportunity to expand your global perspective and gain insight into how others conduct business. 

Reference

Dos and Don’ts for a Successful Business Trip To Japan

https://clients.stepup.one/blog/business-trip-to-japan 

The complete guide on international business travel

https://business.booking.com/en-us/business-travel-resources/blog/the-complete-guide-on-international-business-travel/ 
Bushido, The Soul Of Japan, book by Inazo O. Nitobe, Amazon paperwork

https://www.amazon.com/Bushido-Japan-Annotated-Inazo-Nitobe/dp/B08P29D7MV