Japanese Medical Customs by Christin Arakaki

Japanese are very respectful people that are proper and care greatly about someone’s feelings. If they offend someone they feel terrible, this is why Japanese people are very kind to one another. In Japan they have many customs, for their medical customs I would understand that it is a sensitive matter because it is very personal. When you first meet your patient greet them by their name. You then must bow in respect (keeping your head down, arms to your side) for a proper greeting. Doing this will help your patient feel more comfortable. Japanese like to be clean and protected from germs so if they are wearing a mask respect their decision. Japanese do not like to touch each other, they like to be arms length away from each other. Considering this, if you have a Japanese patient, only touch them with their permission. You should definitely consult your patient about their medication and treatment plans.

There are customs that you should do and many you should not do.
Never put their business card in the back of your pocket, it is very disrespectful, this is the main thing that you should not do. Also take their card with two hands, examine it, and put it in your front pocket shirt. You should not sit with your legs crossed or with your leg on your knee it is impolite for business. You should ask to touch them if you do not know them. Don’t say no, some countries find it very rude and disrespectful. Also if you have patients don’t schedule them on a holiday, who wants to go to an appointment on a holiday,