Etiquette Social interaction is cluttered with a wide range of dos and don'ts. Using a bit of sensitivity most of it is easy to pick up and it is good to remember that Japanese don't expect foreigners to do no mistakes with etiquette. The traditional mark of respect is bowing. The depth of a bow is an index of status. When bowing with your boss you should bow deeper.
Business card are important in Japan.
Cards tell you exactly the status of people you are dealing with. So when going to Japan make sure you have business cards with you and if possible printed in Japanese and English. A major difference between Westerners and Japanese is that the Japanese don't make a virtue out of being direct. Because of that you should avoid use straight talk when socialising with the Japanese. Straight talk means that you are vulgar.