1Career andCommunication Skills
Improvement Information
Magazine for Foreigners

Vol.1
February in2024

In this first issue of Smile Work,we would like to tell you about thebasics of business etiquette inJapan.
There are many aspects ofbusiness manner, such as
greetings, language,communication, and the ways ofthinking and conveying ideas.

Greetings are important when we see each other, as they create opportunities to make agood impression on the other person and build a good relationship.
Depending on the angle that you bow your head, the meaning of the greeting will change.
In general, the following are used depending on the person and situation.
(1) Very deep bow: The angle to lower yourself to is about 45 degrees. Use this for formal
greetings, apologies, or to express your gratitude.
(2) Deep bow: The angle to lower yourself to is about 30 degrees. Use this when greeting
visitors, and to show people your respect.
(3) Slight bow: The angle to lower yourself to is about 15 degrees. Use this when passing
someone in the hallway or greeting colleagues.

Very deep bow

Deep bow

Slight bow2Try to be careful about your clothes andThe first impression is importantin business. How you present
yourself is especially important.
You don't have to wear trendy
clothes or high-end items. Keypoints are your cleanliness
and whether your outfit issuitable for your workplace.

The following are important points.
(1)Your hair is clean(2) Your beard is shaved(3) Your suits and work clothes are not dirty(4) You don’t have bad breath or body odor

In business manner, we use three honorific language
systems: "polite language," "honorific language," and"humble language." If you don't use the proper
language, it will make a bad impression on the otherperson. In addition, there is a high possibility that
unnecessary trouble will develop from a"polite language,""honorificlanguage," and"humblelanguage."misunderstanding of your meaning.

Reporting, Communicating, Consulting

Reporting, communicating, andconsulting are important, because they
can facilitate conversations and prevent
problems in advance. The specificmeaning of each is as follows.
Reporting: Reporting progress andresults, communicating problems andmistakes, etcetera.

Be punctual
In business, don't be late forappointments or meetings. Punctuality
is mandatory.
Have awareness
Keep in mind that you are receiving asalary, and approach all work withresponsibility.

Communication:Communicatedecisions. Information should be sharedpromptly and correctly

Learn the work quickly
To become on effective worker quickly,
you need to learn from your seniors,
not only by listening, but also observing.

Consultation: Discussquestions and concerns,
and receive advice
and judgments

Learn the rules of the company
Every company has its own rules. It is
important to learn the rules quickly andget used to them

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It is polite to use Japanese when working for a Japanese company.
Even if you have colleagues who speak your native language, having
conversation that exclude other colleagues may build up walls between you.
Be sure to consider the circumstances and the atmosphere of your company
before using your native language.
Japanese is needed for working and living in Japan, and even if you are not good at it,
you can overcome your difficulties by continuing to practice using it.

(1) Try to bad habits
Try to avoid things like touching your hair and rubbing your fingers while talking.
It gives others a bad impression.
(2) Do not interrupt others while they are talking.
Listen to the other person until they finish and they give your opinion.
deny them directly, but you don't have to agree with everything.

Try not to(3) Immediately use the names you learn to make a good impression
It's nice to have your name remembered right away. If you use the other person’s
name, it will be easier for you to remember it, and will make a good impression onthem.
(4) Try not to exaggerate, but still express your emotions clearly.
Keep in mind that conversation is a game of catch.
It is always better when the other person is responsive.
(5) Try to be careful when parting
Don't forget to smile when you say goodbye.
If the other person knows you have had a good time,they will want to see you again.

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Foreigners working in Japan is treated the same as Japanese ones.
When you make a mistake at work, we would point it out, and teachyou how to prevent it from happening. Of course, when Japaneseemployees make mistakes, we give them the same instruction.
You should memorize the documents, and rules related to theemployment for foreigners. That helps you avoid the troubles.
you need to follow the company’s rules in order to work in Japan.

To create a comfortable working environment for foreigners, we have made the
Fukushima prefecture “Job Emergency Map’’.
This map shows organizations that can be consulted when you have problems in theworkplace.
You can download the leaflet by scanning the QR code on the right⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒

If you have any comments or inquiries about this magazine,
please contact us using the QR code below.
QR codePublisher：NPO Fukushima Employment Support Center
Phone：070-4419-8412
E-mail：info@npo-fssc.org
Supported：Social Welfare Corporation Central Community Chestof Japan
Cooperation:Fukushima City International Friendship Association

Career and Communication Skills Improvement Information Magazine for Foreigners“Smile Work” cooperating organization
Iwaki International Association,Aizuwakamatsu International Association,Minamisoma City Multicultural
Center [SAKURA],Aizu Kitakata International Association,Shirakawa City International Association(Shirakawa City Planning Policy Division),Fukushima City International Friendship Association (office:Predetermined Residential Exchange Division Intercity Exchange Section),Fukushimaken Zaijyu Gaikokujin
Sogo Shien Network,Nihonmatsu Kokusaikoryu Volunteer “Zakuzaku Netto”,Koriyama International
Exchange Association,Sukagawa Tabunka Kyosei Netto,Nihonmatsu Chikyu Shiminno Kai（Nihonnmatsu CityHall, Secretarial Policy Devision ） ,The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Fukushima Laborbureau),Ministry of Justice(Fukushima District Legal Affairs Bureau)