Japanese business is structured around norms for acceptable group behavior. People who do not follow by these customs are seen as outsiders who do not have legitimate status. These customs produce consistency, which results in a certain outcome. Trust is earned through maintaining this conformity. Harmony is a big priority in Japanese business.
             The behavior of a person during Japanese business depends on the situation. There are different behaviors used when working with someone with a higher status, working with peers, meetings with people of mixed status, doing after-hours drinking, etc. The behavioral skills in the workplace are more important to success than logical skills. Correct etiquette is more important than personal performance. Adapting to the Japanese business etiquette when doing business in Japan is the primary importance to success. In Japan, accountability is to the group, not the individual. These etiquettes produce harmony, which is valued very highly in Japan.
             In the movie "Gung Ho," one of the first rules that Michael Keaton broke in Japanese business etiquette is showing up late at his meeting in Japan without a business card or a proper introduction. He started rambling about unnecessary information concerning his personal life and inappropriate jokes. He was very rude by criticizing Japan and using profanity. After breaking all the rules, and not even giving anyone at the meeting a chance to speak, he expected to have a "yes or no" answer right then and there. Being an American, Keaton was expecting to settle the entire business in one meeting. In Japan, this is not the norm.
             First of all, one should never be late to a Japanese meeting. Secondly, one of the primary steps in Japanese business is to always have a business card (meishi). Unless this step has been taken, most Japanese businessmen will not even acknowledge the other company. It does not matter is you have already had i...