Business meetings in Japan follow much stricter guidelines than those in the West. When meeting Japanese business associates, you should make an appointment several weeks in advance. Japanese affairs have a tight schedule and the agenda of the meeting should be precisely planned, do not expect to extend the duration of the meeting. It's a good idea to call 1-2 hours before meeting to confirm you're traveling. Punctuality is extremely important, so plan to arrive early enough (10-15 minutes). If you will be late for a meeting, please call at least an hour in advance as a courtesy. The location of the meeting is also important for Japanese leaders who, whenever possible, are willing to meet on neutral ground. It's helpful to keep Japanese executives away from their headquarters because they may try to wait you out in hopes of making an unprofitable deal because you're anxious to get home. When you arrive at the meeting location, wait to be seated, as custom will most likely dictate which side will be located on which physical side of the table. Rank is very important to the Japanese and your seating order and position at the table will be dictated as such. The oldest member of the group will be seated furthest from the door, then move down the ranks with the youngest member sitting closest to the door. Take lots of notes during the meeting. It is considered good etiquette to write everything down during meetings and indicates interest and respect for your counterparts. Japan is a group company. Business meetings are usually conducted in groups that include employees and managers of different ages and ranks. Deference is used for the most senior member of the group and if you are part of the group, your c...... means of communication...... and customs. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2006. 30-143. Print Morrison, Terri and Wayne A. Conaway. Kissing, bowing or shaking hands: Asia. Avon, Massachusetts: F+W Publications Company, 2007. 56-73. Print.Rowland, Amy. Complete book with labels; a practical guide to success with the Japanese. New York, NY: Warner, 1985. Print. Rowland, Diana. Japanese business label. New York, NY: Warner Books, Inc., 1985. 69-128. Print.TMI Network. “CareerMosaicIndia.com – Dos and Don’ts/Destination Japan.” CareerMosaicIndia.com - Home. C & K Management Limited, April-May 2002. Web. September 29, 2011. Vanderbilt, Amy. Complete book with labels; a guide to living well. Garden City, New York: Doubleday, 1954. 170-233. PrintVenture Japan LLC. Adventuring in Japan. Venture Japan LLC. 2009. Network. 09/23/2011. http://www.venturejapan.com/