Business/social hints
Appointments: must be made in advance. Punctuality is important but meetings may not start on time. The street level or ground floor of a building is called the first floor. In Japan, business visits require more time than in countries with a Western business culture.
Attire for business meetings: men should wear a dark suit or conservative shirt and tie, women a two-piece suit or equivalent and hosiery.
Etiquette:on meeting and taking leave give a slight bow, shaking hands is usually practiced with non-Japanese. Business cards are exchanged, preferably formally, after introduction. Gratuities are welcome but not expected. Advice should be obtained on how to show appreciation in the most appropriate manner. No gratuities for taxis.
Language:some business executives speak English. Business cards should have Japanese translation on reverse side. Body language, including hand gestures, may confuse and lead to misunderstandings.
Laws:the minimum drinking age is 20 years
Invitations:on social occasions, eg. invitations to restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated.
Local time: GMT +9
Capital:Tokyo.
Language: Japanese, some English.
Electricity: 100 AC 50Hz (Tokyo and east Japan); 100V AC 60Hz (Osaka and west Japan).
Int. direct dialling code: 81.
Driving: is on the left. International Driving Permit required.
Currency: Yen (JPY).
Notes: JPY: 1,000; 5,000; 10,000.
Coins:JPY: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500.
Business hours
Banks:9am-3pm. Mon-Fri.
Offices:9am-5pm. Mon-Fri.
Shops:10am-7pm.
Emergency services
Emergency services: police: 100. Fire/ambulance: 119.
Health
Compulsory vaccinations: none.
Recommended immunisations: Japanese B encephalitis (recommended in some circumstances), polio, tetanus.