In Japan, politeness and formality go hand in hand, shaping interactions in ways that might feel unfamiliar to people from more casual cultures like the United States, Australia, or Canada. While some European countries may find Japan’s structured approach more familiar, many Western visitors are surprised by just how much etiquette matters—especially in business and official settings.

One of the most formal experiences I had in Japan was accompanying Australian Ambassador John McCarthy when he presented his credentials to the Emperor. It was a grand occasion, starting with a waiting room at Tokyo Station, followed by a horse-drawn carriage procession, and attended by a senior Japanese Cabinet minister. Every movement—walking, standing, speaking, even sitting—was carefully choreographed. The level of formality was truly something to behold.

Surprisingly, my second most formal experience wasn’t at a government event, but with Osaka fishmongers. These business leaders, who buy a lot of Australian seafood, took the introduction of Ambassador Dr. Ashton Calvert very seriously. It was a powerful reminder of Japan’s deep respect for hierarchy and tradition.

But formality in Japan isn’t just reserved for official events—it’s part of everyday interactions. I once attended a meeting with the Vice-Governor of Osaka, and his upright, composed posture stood in stark contrast to my Australian guest, who sat back and relaxed. It was a clear example of how different cultural norms can sometimes be misinterpreted.

Business meetings in Japan often take place in grand rooms with large chairs spaced far apart, making conversations feel a bit formal and distant. Foreigners might instinctively move closer when demonstrating a product, which can be a breach of etiquette—but a quick apology helps smooth things over.

Japanese politeness also extends beyond meetings. A small but meaningful gesture, like walking a guest all the way to the elevator instead of just to the door, is a sign of respect. These thoughtful details are woven into everyday life in Japan, though they might not always be obvious to visitors.

For anyone doing business in Japan, embracing formality is key to making a good impression. While foreigners won’t be expected to act exactly like locals, showing an effort to follow cultural norms goes a long way in earning trust and respect. And after business hours? That’s when Japan’s love for informality shines, offering a welcome balance to the day’s structured interactions.

Bosses get this wrong. The younger generation demands a new type of boss—someone persuasive, focused on their career development, and who is skilled as a communicator and coach. Japan’s demographic crisis makes meeting these demands even more critical. With fewer young people entering the workforce, competition for their loyalty is fierce. Employers unable to satisfy their expectations will lose talent to competitors or rely increasingly on non-Japanese workers to fill the gap.

Statistics reveal the challenge: 35% of young Japanese graduates quit their jobs within three years. One key reason is the lack of effective leadership. Middle managers often lack proper training, relying on outdated On-The-Job Training (OJT) methods. This perpetuates the flawed systems of the past, leaving young employees disengaged and unsupported.

To reverse this trend, bosses must adopt a coaching mindset. A super coach identifies team skill gaps, prioritizes development, and co-creates goals with employees. Coaching requires mutual trust and an understanding of individual triggers for improvement. Bosses must invest time to know their team members, tailoring their approach to each person’s needs.

Time management is the foundation of effective coaching. Unfortunately, most middle managers in Japan struggle with this, prioritizing urgent tasks over long-term development. The modern boss must master time management to create space for coaching, focusing on skill development, explaining the “why” behind tasks, and guiding employees through practice and feedback.

Instant feedback is crucial for younger workers stepping out of their comfort zones. Recognizing their incremental progress builds confidence and encourages further growth. Results-focused leaders must shift to appreciating “baby steps,” combining real-time feedback with tailored rewards that resonate with individual preferences.

Today’s Japanese boss must become a super coach—offering the guidance they themselves may have lacked on their way up. By investing time and effort into nurturing the younger generation, bosses can ensure long-term organizational success. This is not just an evolution but a necessity for modern leadership in Japan.

Don’t get this wrong. Good posture never goes out of style, yet many presenters struggle with it. Standing straight projects confidence, enables better breath control, and conveys energy. However, the presenting environment often tempts us into poor habits. Even seasoned performers—actors and singers—struggle with posture during award acceptance speeches. Instead of standing tall, they hunch over microphones, giving audiences an unflattering view of their bowed heads. These professionals, familiar with microphone technology, should excel at its use but often fail to adapt to the setup.

As a presenter, you can avoid this by preparing beforehand. Test the microphone to ensure it suits your needs, and request alternatives like a handheld or lavaliere mic if necessary. If caught off guard, don’t hesitate to remove the microphone from its stand or lift the entire stand to bring the mic to your level. The key is to take control of the tech, not let it dictate your posture or delivery.

Podiums are another culprit behind poor posture. Many speakers clutch the podium for balance or as a substitute for gestures, especially if unsure what to do with their hands. This restricts movement and leaves the speaker hunched over, further diminishing their presence. Instead, step slightly back from the podium so the temptation to go for the grip is eliminated, stand tall, and use a slide clicker to navigate your presentation. Free from the restrictions of the physical podium, your gestures can enhance your words and engage the audience.

If you must use a podium for notes or as a laptop stand, maintain good posture by standing upright and away from the podium’s edge. I often rotate the podium toward me, so that I can easily see my laptop screen, as I stand to the side. This prevents reliance on the podium for support and keeps my hands free for natural gestures.

Good posture marks a professional who commands their environment, tech, and presentation space. By addressing these physical and technical challenges, you can focus entirely on engaging your audience—our ultimate goal.