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I. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

In business, understanding the culture or traditions of a foreign country will always be

appreciated by your counterparts as it is a considerate effort to get to know them and it
shows respect in the most natural way. Culture, customs, and traditions vary from one
place to another and so is the dining etiquette of a place. Today, dining etiquette occupies
a very important place in almost all areas of human life. Eating is a fundamentally
corporal activity, and of the several fundamental bodily functions, it is the only one that
is carried out primarily in the company of others, including strangers. Due to its status as
both an unavoidably carnal and deeply social activity, dining has developed complex
codes of etiquette that attempt to convert the nutritional act of eating into an expression
of social status and cultural facility. Through your behaviors when you eat and drink,
people can judge you about your personality, behavior, and cultural level. It is a very
important factor to make a good impression, as well as create a business opportunity.
After the meeting of companies, a meal is essential. Through that meal, companies can
show their goodwill, shortening the communication distance between companies.
Especially, the Japanese dining etiquette is the most typical example for people around
the world to understand more about Asian eating rules. Most Japanese people will forgive
you for not understanding their customs and beliefs, but by following common etiquette
you demonstrate good manners and respect.

1.2. Reasons to choose the topic

Facing the trend of integration and globalization, more and more multinational companies
are established around the world, typically in developing countries like Vietnam. Cultural
differences have created difficulties in accessing the international environment, especially
for young people who lack practical experience, they often have great difficulty working
with foreigners. In particular, dining etiquette in business is always a fear of many
people. Employers today still know that an employee's poor table manner can reflect
negatively on the image of the organization. Therefore, knowing and using good table
manners is an important social skill that can set you apart from others who are being
considered for advancement in the company. As you know, Japan is one of the fairly
traditional countries and a bit conservative. Japanese culture for thousands of years has
shaped the customs, customs, rituals in the behavioral culture, the way of dress, and the

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daily life of the Japanese people. In business, the Japanese also show their own culture. In
Japan, interpersonal or face-to-face contact is very important in business. Business dining
etiquette plays a very important role in making a favorable impression. From formal
meals to traditional tea ceremonies, they all have a huge influence on Japanese attitudes.
When you understand Japanese dietary codes of conduct, they show people your manners
and are therefore essential for professional success. That is why I have chosen this topic
so that everyone can understand more about Japanese dining etiquette to avoid
misunderstandings when dining with Japanese people as well as traveling to Japan.

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II. BODY

2.1 Background Concepts

2.1.1 Definition of dining etiquette:

Dining etiquette is an area of etiquette which pertains to dining, whether at home or out
in a restaurant. Whether having lunch with a prospective employer or dinner with a
business associate, your manners speak volumes about you and will leave a lasting
impression.

In the realm of dining, etiquette refers to proper manners and behavior in a formal dining
situation. Etiquette, in general, is a series of suggestions and rules for behavior that are
designed to ensure that people behave consistently and within the norms of politeness.

2.1.2. Definition of table manners:

According to the Oxford dictionary, table manners are considered correct behavior while
you are dining at the table with others.

Table manners are the rules of etiquette used while eating, which may also include the
appropriate use of utensils. Different cultures observe different rules for table manners.

2.1.3. Definition of business:

Business is the activities of making, buying, selling, or supplying goods or services for
money. A business is defined as an organization or enterprising entity engaged in
commercial, industrial, or professional activities. Businesses can be for-profit entities or
they can be non-profit organizations that operate to fulfill a charitable mission or further a
social cause.

2.2. Characteristics of the components

2.2.1. Characteristics of dining etiquette in Japan:

Japanese dining etiquette is a set of traditional perceptions governing specific

expectations which outlines general standards of how one should behave and respond in
various dining situations. And in business, their dining etiquette also has a very unique

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and somewhat complicated feature from having to know how to dress, greet, seat, choose
food before eating as well as how good manners table.

2.2.2. Characteristics of table manners in Japan:

The characteristics of table manners are behaviors at the table including choosing a seat,
ordering, eating, drinking, talking, and behaving after a meal. Especially in Japan, there
are many rules about holding chopsticks.

2.2.3. Characteristics of businesses in Japan:

Japan's unique and ritualized business culture is often considered to be the biggest
obstacle for foreign businesses seeking to establish themselves in the Japanese market.
This is because the Japanese highly value etiquette and protocol during any type of
business meeting. However, this need not discourage you from investing in the Japanese
market, since most Japanese are very êasy forgiving provided we always show respect
and show some interest in understanding Japanese culture and etiquette.

3. Japanese dining etiquette in business

3.1: General dining etiquette:

3.1.1. Choose an outfit:

In Japan, people often combine dark colors, low-heeled shoes, and minimal accessories.
They often choose skirts, as pants can sometimes be seen as offensive.

3.1.2: Take a Bow:

In Japan, the usual courtesy is bowing. There are different types of bows used for
different situations, but for a business meal, use a formal bow bending at your waist with
a straight back to a 45-degree angle. Women usually place their hands together on their
thighs while bowing (whereas men keep their hands at their sides ).

3.1.3: Tables and sitting:

Many restaurants and homes in Japan are equipped with Western-style chairs and tables.
However, traditional Japanese low tables and cushions, usually found on tatami floors,
are also very common. Tatami mats, which are made of straw, can be easily damaged and
are hard to clean, thus shoes or any type of footwear are always taken off when stepping
on tatami floors. When dining in a traditional tatami room, sitting upright on the floor is

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common. In a casual setting, men usually sit with their feet crossed and women sit with
both legs to one side. Only men are supposed to sit cross-legged. The formal way of
sitting for both sexes is a kneeling style known as seiza. To sit in a seiza position, one
kneels on the floor with legs folded under the thighs and the buttocks resting on the heels.
When dining out in a restaurant, the customers are guided to their seats by the host. The
honored or eldest guest will usually be seated at the center of the table farthest from the
entrance. In the home, the most important guest is also seated farthest away from the
entrance.

3.2. Table manners :

3.2.1. During meals:

Wet towels (oshibori) are provided at most restaurants to clean your hands before eating.
After ordering, it is common to wait for everyone's order and then to start the meal with
the phrase "itadakimasu" ("I gratefully receive"). When eating from small bowls, it is the
correct manner to pick up the bowl with your hand and lead it close to your mouth when
eating from it; however, larger types of dishes should generally not be picked up.

Blowing your nose at the table, burping, and audible munching are considered bad
manners in Japan. On the other hand, it is considered a good style to empty your dishes to
the last grain of rice. If there are food items that you do not like or cannot eat,
replacements may be available at restaurants if you tell them in advance. Otherwise, it is
advisable to leave the items on the dish.

When drinking alcoholic beverages, it is customary to serve each other, rather than pour
your drink. Periodically check your friends' cups and refill their drinks if their cups are
getting empty. Likewise, if someone wants to serve you more alcohol, you should drink
some from your glass before holding it towards that person. If you do not drink alcohol, it
is no problem to simply say so and request other beverages instead.

In Japan, they take the matter of face very seriously. They are very afraid to let others pay
for the meal. If they eat in a restaurant, usually the owner of the meal will pay. If
someone else wants to pay, they place the money on small trays that are available instead
of handing it directly to the clerk or the cashier. If the tray is not available, they will give
and receive money with both hands. Tipping in Japan is considered vulgar, so they don't
leave anything behind after a meal.

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After finishing your meal, it is generally a good manner to return all your dishes to how
they were at the start of the meal. This includes replacing the lids on dishes and putting
your chopsticks back on the chopstick rest or in its paper holder. Conclude the meal with
the phrase "gochisōsama deshita" ("thank you for the feast") which includes gratitude not
only towards the cook but also the ingredients consumed.

Rule of thumb: at the end of the meal, return all your dishes to how they were at the start
of the meal (minus the food)

3.2.2. Chopsticks:

The proper usage of chopsticks is the most important table etiquette in Japan. When
Japanese people finish eating or need to pause in-between times to chew, they will place
their chopsticks next to the plate, parallel to the edge of the table, on the chopsticks racks
on their plates. When eating, hold chopsticks towards their end, and not in the middle of
the front third. Chopsticks not in use should be laid down in front of the meal with the tip
to the left. This is also the correct position in which to place chopsticks after the meal's
conclusion. Put the chopsticks onto the table before talking and do not use the chopsticks
to gesture or point during the conversation. They never plug chopsticks into a bowl of
rice so that they stick out in the air. This is similar to the image of a Japanese funeral
ritual to burn incense. Passing food from your chopsticks to someone else's chopsticks is
taboo. It's the same way the Japanese treat bones during a cremation.

3.3 . Food and etiquette :

3.3.1. Ramen:

When eating ramen or similar types, it is acceptable to make slurping sounds as it is the
way to express appreciation for the meal and to strengthen the flavor of ramen. However,
making eating sounds of munching and burping are not very favorable as they may
displease people around. The general Japanese ramen etiquette postulates that ramen
should be eaten by using both chopsticks and spoons.

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Ramen

3.3.2. Shusi:

Shusi is one of the most famous dishes of Japan, which comes in many different varieties.
It is allowed to eat sushi with bare hands. When shoyu (lit. soy sauce) is served together
with nigiri-sushi (lit. sushi with a fish topping), pick up the sushi and dip the part of the
fish topping into the shoyu, not the part of rice. The appearance of rice floating around on
the shoyu plate is not considered taboo in Japanese culture; however, it may leave a bad
impression by doing so. In a case when shoyu has to be poured into a bowl, pour only a
tiny amount since pouring a large portion may waste an unnecessary amount of shoyu,
which is one of the serious taboos in Japan.

Shusi

3.3.3. Rice:

Hold the rice bowl in one hand and the chopsticks in the other. Lift the bowl towards
your mouth while eating. Do not pour soy sauce over white, cooked rice.

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4. The implication of these matters on my etiquette and good manners and my

future job:

Each country will have its own culture. Understanding the country's culture will be very
helpful in the future work environment. Japan is a country with many identities and
cultures, especially in terms of dining. If I do not understand their culture, I may make a
mistake while eating with Japanese people. Later when I work at a Japanese company, I
won't be embarrassed to invite them out to eat. Learning Japanese manners will help me
avoid basic mistakes while communicating as well as eating. Whether it's having a meal
at home with Japanese friends or taking a business meal, mastering the basics of Japanese
food etiquette will help me get the score in everyone's eyes. Opening up new
opportunities, other people's perspectives on me.

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III. CONCLUSION

Dining etiquette is of primary significance and importance in the corporate world.

Especially in Japan, where the culture, customs, customs, and rituals are thousands of
years old, have a lot to do with the behavior, way of dress, and living of the Japanese
people. From formal meals to traditional tea ceremonies, it all has a huge effect on the
attitudes of the Japanese. When you understand the code of conduct in the Japanese diet,
you will avoid making mistakes when eating with Japanese people. That is essential in
building a long-term working relationship. They will see your manners and will have a
good impression of you.

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