聯 合國是當今世界最大、最重要、最具代表性和權威性的國際組織，在促進世界各國經濟、科學、文化的合作與交流方面，發揮着積極作用。根據聯合國“進行國際合 作，解決國際間經濟、社會、文化問題”的宗旨，其相關機構會不定期發佈前往特殊國家的文化注意事項（Cultural Tips），方便致力於國際間經濟、社會、文化交流的人員入鄉隨俗，充分尊重目的地人民的習俗和感情。

    對於出行日本的公務和民間人員，聯合國列出了最應注意的14條文化事項。

    一般性文化注意事項（General Cultural Tips）

    1. When entering a Japanese home, it is customary to remove shoes and position them facing the door. Follow your host's example.（進入日本人家中時，習慣性的做法是把鞋子脫掉，並將鞋尖向外、對着門口。 具體可參考屋主的做法。）

    2.Most Japanese people avoid direct eye contact during conversations.（大部分日本人在溝通時都會避免雙方目光的直接交流。）

    3.If using chopsticks, avoid using them to point at someone and do not leave them sticking up in a bowl of rice.（使用筷子時，不要用筷子指人，也不要將它們插在飯裏。）

    4.Only ask people about their spouse or children if you are sure your conversational partner is married/has children. Asking unmarried people about a spouse or childless people about children may embarrass a Japanese person.（只有在確定對方確實已婚或育子後，才能談及其配偶或孩子；對未婚或尚未生子的日本 人來說，貿然談及此類話題，會造成尷尬。）

    5.It is customary to bring chocolate, cookies or cakes when invited to a Japanese home.Purchasing them in a department store where they will be wrapped is recommended.（被邀請至日本人家做客時，禮貌上應該帶上巧克力、小餅乾或糕點等禮物，最好是在百貨公司購買並妥善包裝。）

    6.The Japanese do not usually open gifts when they are presented.（日本人在收到禮物時，一般不會當面拆開。）

    商務文化注意事項（Business Cultural Tips）

    1.The Japanese are accustomed to shaking hands upon greeting, though bowing is traditional and sometimes used as well. If your are bowed to, return the gesture by bowing either to the same depth or lower - the depth of your bow is indicative of the status relationship between you and your counterpart.（日本人已習慣 用握手的方式表示問候，但鞠躬仍作爲傳統禮節使用。如果有人向你鞠躬問候，你必須用同樣的姿勢回鞠，深度應與對方相當或稍微深一些，因爲鞠躬的深淺代表着 你和對方身份地位的差別。）

    2.Consider using the honorific suffix san when addressing people when introduced: Mr. or Ms. Yamada can be addressed as Yamada-san.（在相互介紹時，一定要使用敬語後綴“san”。如，Yamada先生或小姐，應該敬稱爲“Yamada-san”。）

    3.Business cards are usually exchanged upon introductions. It is advisable to have yours printed in both English and Japanese. Use both hands to both present and receive cards. Read the card carefully before putting it away.（初次見面通常需要互換名片，最好將名片上的信息用英文和日文同時表達。在交換名片時，須雙手傳遞，仔細閱讀名片信息後，再將其放下。）

    4.Make business appointments in advance and be punctual.（商務會面要提前預約並準時到達。）

    5.Entertainment is an important part of business arrangements and usually takes place after business hours at a bar or restaurant. Although business may be discussed, these outings are primarily occasions for building friendships.（娛樂也是商務交往的重要組成部分，通常在休息時間 安排去酒吧或飯館。雖然也會涉及商務內容，但這種場合應以建立雙方的友誼爲主。）

    6.Business dress is formal and conservative. Men should wear a suit and women should wear either a dress or a suit.（商務着裝 最好正式而保守。男士穿西服，女士着套裙或套裝。）

    7.Business gifts are very important in Japan. The gifts should always be wrapped and are often presented at first business meetings.（商務禮品在日本非常重要，通常包裝精美，並 於第一次會面時呈上。）

    8.Be aware that the Japanese try not to disagree openly. They may avoid saying "no" by giving an unenthusiastic "yes".（要知道，日本人是最不願意公開表 達不同意見的，他們通常使用冷淡的一個“是”來 表示“不”。）