Message #4738

[sungoddesslv]

Winkie,

I hope the least bossie will do is to make sure that the gift is most elegantly wrapped.  The Japanese take much pleasure and care in wrapping the package.  They also take just as much care in unwrapping them.  



As for the wrapping, it should (of course) not be red, all white or bright yellow.  I would try to stick with a pastel color.  



Other info:  Also, exchanging business cards is very important to them. Apparently only top officials carry them. Do not place the card immediatley in your pocket. This would be very offensive to them. When presenting a business card, it should be held with both hands (thumbs & first fingers) and turned where it is readable to the person receiving it. If time allows, you might consider having the backside printed in Japanese.



Although it is difficult not to do, tell your executive that it is not recommended that he try to bow back to his Japanese visitors. The degree of the bow depends on the status of the person. They do not expect us to bow to them. Ms. Baldrige differs on this; however, while living in Macon, GA we had a local company that was a Japanese company.  They provided a protocol person to explain what we needed to know when the visitors arrived.  She recommended not bowing.  

 

Hope the visit goes well.