Aisatsu - Self Introduction

Be prepared to introduce yourself in Japanese on your first day at work. You should tell people your name, university/college, degree program, the name of your home town in Canada and end by expressing your gratitude. In case you are feeling worried about this, please don't as you will have the opportunity to prepare an 'arrival speech' during the training week prior to departure. You should wear formal clothing on your first day of work.

Gift Giving - Omiyage

On the first day of work, please be sure to take a small gift for your supervisor, your kacho and something for your work group. Food is a good present for the work group as it be shared by all, i.e. chocolates, smoked salmon, coffee or wine. In addition, taking a collection of small Canadian souvenirs will be handy when meeting new people, when invited to someone's home, etc. You may want to collect a number of items from your hometown before departing for Vancouver. Once source for free pins and flags are your local MP or MLA constituency office.

You will learn in Japan that gift giving is an important custom in Japan. Co-workers almost always bring back souvenirs and small gifts, otherwise referred to as omiyage for their work group after a trip. Almost every tourist orientated location in Japan is well equipped with omiyage shops selling all sorts of assorted goodies. Should you have the opportunity to travel on business or take a vacation during your work term remember to bring back some omiyage for your friends at work.

Business Card Exchange

With regard to introductions, the use and care of business cards is extremely important in Japan. Generally speaking, business cards are presented using both hands, while at the same time stating your company name, project group, name and greeting. Studying each business card briefly as you receive them is a sign of respect and courtesy. After the exchange, both people usually give a small bow.

The Canada-Japan Co-op Program will print and distribute 50 bilingual business cards to each Canada-Japan Co-op student prior to departure; the cards will have your email address. These cards will be useful for handing out to people with whom you hope to keep in contact after you return to Canada. When being introduced in a formal setting, please be aware that the most senior person initiates the introduction and offers his/her business card first. Your host company may also have company business cards made for you upon arrival.

It is considered polite to line up business cards you have received, in front of you during a meeting in order to avoid having to remember names. Do not write any comments on a business card this is considered very disrespectful.