You may have heard that status matters even more in Japan than it does elsewhere, and, to a certain extent, that’s perfectly true. Japanese etiquette is closely tied to status and hierarchy. Apart from hierarchies, status itself carries some weight. So, if you’re a person in a senior position who is called on to work in Japan, it would be considered unusual and not necessarily positive if your lifestyle is too modest. Here’s how to create the right impression.

Where You Live

Much as it is in the West, having the “right address” is an important indicator of status. So, if you’re looking for furnished apartments in Sapporo, for example, you’ll be going as upmarket as you can afford. Spacious rooms, high-quality finishes, and designer interiors will all contribute, not only to your comfort, but the perception of your status and with it, your credibility in business circles.

How You Get Around

Just driving a car in Japanese cities is not for the average Joe. Taxes, tolls, and parking fees are high, and most people prefer to use the excellent public transport system. Choosing to use your own car or a private taxi is therefore unusual and an indicator of higher status. As in the West, simply owning or hiring a luxury car already makes a statement. Arriving for your business meetings by car already sends an unspoken message about your status. But with parking being hard to come by, a chauffeur service or luxury taxi might be a necessary addition to your costs.

What you Wear

Whether you’re male or female, a formal suit in a dark color is the “uniform” of the business world in Japan. “Business casual” is only accepted in some quarters, and if you want to be taken seriously, smarter is better. Even if it’s designer-wear, keep clothing and accessories low-key and avoid anything showy or flamboyant. Quiet elegance and formality are key to reinforcing your high-status image.

Your Manners

Like your dress, your manners will be important in creating the right impression in Japan’s business world. Loud, brash, impatient, or temperamental behavior are frowned upon, and although they might make some allowances for foreigners, putting the right foot forward will help to reinforce your professional image as a person deserving of respect.

Despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself in situations where being a foreigner seems to diminish you in the eyes of your local associates, but by maintaining good ethics and formality, you should be able to brush through.

Your Knowledge of Japan

Although you don’t have to be a member of high society to know a few things about Japan, you’ll win friends and influence people more easily if you can impress your hosts with local knowledge they wouldn’t expect a foreigner to be privy to. That doesn’t mean that you should brag in any way, but when opportunities arise in conversation, you can always drop in a few titbits expanding on topics that have probably been simplified for your sake.

Know Your Etiquette

Business etiquette in Japan matches that of the West in many ways, but there are some important differences. For example, never take a seat before your host does, bow at about 30 degrees as an indicator of formality and respect instead of shaking hands, and if you are in a group, begin introductions with the most senior person and work your way down. Never put pressure on attendees to make decisions, it’s seen as being very rude, and you will be rebuffed. Let them take their time and commit as and when they feel comfortable to do so.

Understatement, Formality and Professionalism

Despite having a soft spot for the trappings of wealth, the Japanese see quiet elegance as epitomizing refinement. At all times, use understatement rather than overstatement, observe formality, and show your respect by being punctual and well-prepared at any event or meeting. Making a good impression will advance your professional goals when doing business in Japan, and achieving this means doing your homework and may mean adjusting your communication style.