Before doing business in Japan or with Japanese companies, you should learn at least some simple Japanese terms. If you know some Japanese it will help to create a great beginning to the meeting and relax your business partners. Learning business phrases and as well as conversational phrases may take some time to learn but will pay off in the long run.

When it comes time for introductions, you would say Hajimemashite. This is then followed by Watashi no namae wa ________ desu, where you fill in the blank with your name. This is used the very first time you meet someone and means 'Hello, It's nice to meet you. My name is _____________ After this it is usual to bow and swap your meishi or business cards. You could also include 'Dozo Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu' which is another standard phrase part of an introduction. This is tricky to translate, but essentially means lets have a good relationship.

Important words to know are the basic words to say 'Please', 'Thank-You' and 'You are Welcome'. 'Dozo' is used normally to mean 'Please' as in Please go ahead or Please do something before me. Domo arigato gozaimasu means thank you very much. You may wonder how to reply if someone says Domo Arigat o Gozaimasu to you - the best way is to say Doitashimashite, which means you are welcome, no problem.

If you are at a dinner with a customer and he/she offers you a drink, you can say 'Onegaishimasu' which means Thank-You, I would like to accept. Sumimasen and Gomen Nasai are useful phrases to know - they both mean sorry. Gomen Nasai has a stronger meaning than sumimasen.

At the close of the meeting, don't forget to bow and say 'Domo arigato gozaimasu'. This phrase has the meaning of thank you, but also is a way of saying good-bye. You may think it is usual to say Sayonara to say goodbye but be careful that this phrase is usually used to say goodbye to someone that you are not expecting to see again for some time.

Putting in the time to understand and speak Japanese will really be respected. It is not expected and will surprise and delight your hosts. Many Japanese people think that Japanese is a very hard language to learn and to hear Japanese spoken by visitors will make a big difference. Even the most basic words or phrases will be welcomed, such as a thank-you or polite greeting.

Knowledge of Japanese culture is just as important as knowing the language. You should also pay attention to social hierarchy, company structure and how business is actually conducted in Japan. There are sometimes rules that are hidden or unwritten that if you take the time to discover will make all the difference to your business relationships.