CULTURE HINTS WHEN ENTERTAINING JAPANESE

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, February 18, 1992                   TAG: 9202180076
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short
CULTURE HINTS WHEN ENTERTAINING JAPANESE
Americans hosting Japanese visitors to the United States should not attempt to entertain their guests with Japanese food because it's impossible to duplicate the quality of their cuisine.
That advice comes from A.J. Christopher Wood, executive director of the Richmond Metropolitan Economic Council, who says it would be safer to stick with broiled seafood, a clear soup and a salad.
Wood, who has helped several Japanese companies to open facilities in Richmond, also suggests Americans dress conservatively and avoid cologne and perfume, which are not traditionally used in Japan and could be offensive.
Other points to keep in mind, Woods adds, include:

Keep your voice down, because speaking loudly is considered rude and threatening.

Social drinking is for special occasions, and is not a time to discuss business.

And don't wrap a gift in white paper. It's a sign of death.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB