拟去日本出差，收到UN有关部门发来商务文化注意事项（Business and Cultural Information）供行前勉强参考：  

——Japanese life is governed by a strict code of manners. The Japanese do not expect visitors to be familiar with their customs, but it is essential to try to adapt to this code of behaviour.（日本人严守规矩，虽然他们不指望外国人懂这些日本人的规矩和习俗，但是老外们最好试着入乡随俗）

——Bowing is normally preferred to hand-shaking, but most Japanese adapt to Western practice by shaking hands with foreign guests. If your are bowed to, return the gesture by bowing either to the same depth or lower – the depth of your bow is indicative of the status relationship between you and your counterpart.（日本人一般鞠躬致意，但是大部分日本人会按西方习惯于外国人握手。如果日本人向你鞠躬，你也要回鞠躬，鞠躬程度应与对方相等或更深——鞠躬的深度反映了双方的关系和地位）。

——Only ask people about their spouse or children if you are sure your conversational partner is married/has children. Asking an unmarried person about a spouse, or a childless person about children, may cause embarrassment.（除非是知道对方已婚或有孩子，不要和日本人谈及的配偶、孩子的情况，否则会让没有结婚或没有孩子的日本人感到尴尬有木有）

——If using chopsticks, avoid using them to point at someone and do not leave them sticking up in a bowl of rice.（使用筷子时不要用筷子指人，不要把筷子插在碗里的米饭中）

——When entering a Japanese home, it is customary to remove shoes and position them facing the door. Follow your host's example. Shoes may also be removed at traditional restaurants.（去日本人家要学着主人的样子脱鞋进门，鞋的摆放要朝门的方向）

——It is customary to bring chocolate, cookies or cakes when invited to a Japanese home. Purchasing them in a department store where they will be wrapped is recommended.（去日本人家作客可买些巧克力、糕点，在超市包装好作为礼物）

——In business meetings, the most junior member of staff should be positioned closest to the door.（商务会议中，最年轻的职员应坐在最靠门的位置）

——Japanese business associates should be referred to by their surname with the honorific suffix 'san' added, hence Junichi Yamazaki should be addressed as Yamazaki-san.（称呼日本人“xx桑”，如山崎顺一可称为“山崎桑”）

——Japanese businesspeople prepare extensively for their own overseas business trips and would like (but do not necessarily expect) visitors to do the same.（日本人在海外商务旅行之前都会做非常充分和细致的功课，他们希望外国访客也是如此）

——Business cards are usually exchanged upon introductions. It is advisable to have yours printed in both English and Japanese. Both hands should be used for giving and receiving cards, which should be studied closely, placed in front of you and collected at the end. Do not put away during the meeting.（双手递交、接受名片，拿到名片后认真阅读，放在面前的桌上，离开时收好。不要在会议中间收起名片）

——Make business appointments in advance and be punctual.（商务会见要提前约会，必须守时）

——Entertainment is an important part of business arrangements and usually takes place after business hours at a bar or restaurant. Although business may be discussed, these outings are primarily occasions for building friendships.（娱乐是商务交往的一部分，一般是在下班时间以后，地点是酒吧或餐馆，主要目的是建立信任关系，而不是讨论商务）

——Business dress is formal and conservative. Men should wear a suit and women should wear either a dress or a suit.（商务着装正式、保守）

——It is traditional to give gifts to business associates. They should be given at the start of a meeting and not opened in front of the giver. Visitors should not give four of anything: the number four signifies death.（商务交往中有送礼的传统。一般在会前送，不在送礼人当面拆开礼物。访客送的礼不可涉“四”，很不吉利的）。

——Be aware that the Japanese try not to disagree openly. They may avoid saying 'no' by giving an unenthusiastic 'yes'.（注意：日本人不习惯公开表示异议。他们可能会以一个不那么热情洋溢的“是”表示说不出口的“不”的意思）