Following
short article last month offering a few tips courtesy of the West to Japan, I collected suggestions for the opposite situation: the coming of your personal or professional relationships Japanese in the West. The situation is probably more difficult than a trip to Japan: it is no longer here just to learn to listen and adapt to the environment, but you must take steps to have the trip of your guests a success.
You probably will organize a meal for your guests. You may hesitate between receiving home and restaurant. A meal in your home can be an opportunity to show that you really appreciate someone you already know. If you live in the country, your host will be very impressed by the size of your garden, because land is expensive everywhere in Japan. You explain that the land is not always expensive in France, where you can often buy an acre non-buildable for a few thousand euros.
With someone you know little, I think the restaurant is preferable. The Japanese call little home, and sometimes cramped quarters that make any reception impossible. They might be embarrassed at not being able to go the same. I think it is best to avoid choosing a Japanese restaurant. Proposing to a stranger dishes of his own country is in bad taste. In contrast, a typical French restaurant and quality probably delight your guests. I recommend choosing a foreign table, the major Japanese cities are often better equipped in this area than France. Moroccan kitchens and especially the Lebanese, however, can be a good choice because they are not widely known in Japan and there are excellent facilities in France. By cons, if your host is here for several days, and has already chained local meals, it is possible that he wants to "rest" his stomach with a Japanese meal, and then it will probably hints in this direction. You take care when choosing a Japanese real table, not the sushi restaurant chicken skewers the neighborhood. the internet forums on Japan generally have updated information on good Japanese tables. Unfortunately, they are rare in the provinces, but if you're in Paris, the famous rue St. Anne near the Opera brings together institutions of all authentic standings.
Japanese are often gourmets, so you should select a quality home. You should not be afraid to choose a house known and predictable. It is preferable to a "good plan" uncertain or fashionable place where the glitter sparkle sometimes at the expense of the range. The Japanese enjoy a nice typical setting, for example, a beautiful room historic brewery, because it is rare among them. In Paris, places like La Coupole and Le Train Bleu impress. George Brewery in Lyons or the Brasserie des Beaux-Arts in Toulouse will be an unforgettable setting for your guests.
If your guests are probably interested in gastronomy, they may wish to try not too typical dishes of French cuisine, such as tripe, calf's head or sausage, and prefer a meat or fish more classic. It is quite surprising, but most Japanese do not eat raw oysters. The strong meats, such as game, lamb or goat are not appreciated by all, will therefore be to ensure that the restaurant also offers beef, pork or poultry. Some Japanese can not do without rice, you may prefer a facility that serves at least one dish with rice. Many men do not like wine, it is desirable to choose a place where a meal the beer will not shock. The cheeses are variously appreciated, you can suggest, but do not insist if your guest abstains. In particular, goat cheese and sheep are sometimes too exotic for the Japanese palate.
You book the restaurant in advance, it would be churlish not to find a table on arrival. If your guest arrives just in Japan, it is best to dine early because it will be tired by the time difference. It will not be shocked if you start table 19h or even earlier, which is common in Japan. It will polished on the same day to ensure that your guests can visit the site. Would be best to pick him up at his hotel, or take it right out of the office. This does not necessarily speak English very well, probably not French, and may be frightened to take the subway or the taxi itself. If this is not possible, you can make booking a taxi on a map and the final address, or even buy a subway ticket to your host and explain the route. Once at the restaurant, take care to explain the dishes to your guests, our chefs often formulations obscure to their dishes: a simple steak mashed sometimes turns into a surrealist poem on the menu. You can also, if your guest wants him to choose a menu yourself, making sure it suits him. You also explain to your calls on the French custom of eating meals in succession, as they are often served together in Japan. The portions are smaller in Japan, you do not offend you if your guest can not finish the dishes. Some Japanese men like little desserts, while women in general rafolent. In all cases, you will ask your guests if they wish to complete on a smooth or go directly to the cafe. You will ensure that the glass of wine of your host is always fulfilled, or ordering new BOCS beer. The Japanese do not know the French rule that you wanted does not have water, you can also fill the glass of water in your guest.
You will ensure throughout the meal a pleasant conversation with you adopting the personality of your partner: if you know him a center of interest, you can start the conversation on the subject. It is also possible to ask him questions about Japan, to show him that you care about his country. You can also quickly explain the history of the city where you are, and visits interesting if a little free time. It is perfectly acceptable to discuss the work, but this should not be the first talk of the meal. Your host will probably have much more freedom of conversation that service to address his work. In all cases, you will see to let your guest, and not too try to impress him with your intelligence and your culture, what would be considered vulgar. You also make judgments or opinions with a certain reserve, and of course accept that the view from your host may be as valuable as yours. In case you invite someone of the opposite sex for a business meal, I highly recommend the ambiguous attitudes that may resemble the dredge, which may put your host very uncomfortable. If you have any views you impress anyway being slightly more distant. You might be aware that this is often the woman who, through subtle hints, signals its desire to go further.
A small gift will be very personal pleasure, it is common in Japan. You can offer a nice pen, or a grocery product thin, like a box of foie gras or tapenade. A good bottle will always be happy, and again, do not be afraid of the classics. The packaging will be at least as important as content. I think it is better to avoid offering a tie, but if you really want, choose soft colors and classic. A woman will always appreciate a good jam or chocolate. At the end of the meal, there is obviously no question of sharing the bill, nor to praise its importance. You will get up to go to the bathroom at the end of the meal and you pay at the counter quietly. After dinner, if your guest has more energy, you can take it a drink in a comfortable place, such as a hotel bar. This corresponds to the principle of "nijikai" Japanese, and will be a special moment for confidences. The evening ended, you will ensure that your Japanese host does go back to his hotel in the door with them or at least indicating the taxi's destination address.
You may have to arrange some sightseeing for your Japanese knowledge: they may wish to see the classic sights, and are often very knowledgeable. Do not be surprised if they ask you to go to Eze, Rocamadour or Perugia. You can also make them spend time taking them very pleasant aperitif on the terrace of a cafe in point. A visit to the market is also a good idea because they are rare in Japan. You can also delight your guests by taking them in a beautiful place in the country: they will be impressed by the great outdoors and animals in the fields. In all cases, your guests will want to find souvenirs for their friends and relations: so plan a visit to a shop properly, crafts and local specialties, with enough time for them to make their purchases.
This article ends a small series of etiquette tips, but also in working with Japanese . These are obviously generalizations, but I think they may be useful in most situations. Others will have different experiences from mine, and will offer you slightly different recommendations. You will win obviously take several opinions on a subject. In all cases, you should adapt to the situation by making optimum use your sensitivity and your common sense.
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