One of the first things new employees in Japan are taught is how to exchange business cards, followed closely by the etiquette of "where to stand or sit." While exchanging business cards is the first step in learning business manners, the concept of seating positions is surprisingly more intricate. In the Japanese business world, there’s an absolute rule called "kamiza" (seat of honor) and "shimoza" (lower seat).
Simply put, it means that the most senior person sits in the kamiza, and juniors or newcomers sit in the shimoza. Kamiza is the seat reserved for the most senior or high-status individual, and shimoza is the seat for the least senior person.
For example, in a meeting room, the seat closest to the door is considered the shimoza, and the seat furthest from the door is the kamiza. The most important person will sit furthest from the door, the next senior person will sit next to them, and the junior employees or newcomers will sit closest to the door.
It may seem like a trivial rule, but if you make a mistake, people might think, "Oh, this person doesn't know the basics yet..." This is particularly important during client meetings. One of the fundamental rules of business is to guide the client to the kamiza.
And these rules aren't limited to meeting rooms. For instance, even when getting into a taxi, the seat in the back farthest from the driver is the kamiza, and the seat right behind the driver is the shimoza. So if you're getting into a taxi with a senior colleague, never offer them the front seat! Instead, insist they sit in the back, while you humbly take the front seat. That’s how you demonstrate perfect manners.
At first, you might think, "I have to think about all these small details too?!" But once you master this rule, you’ll give off the vibe of a "capable business professional!"
If you ever have the chance to do business with Japanese colleagues or clients, try being mindful of the kamiza and shimoza rule. You might even notice a shift in how they view you when you offer them the proper seat!
