What is kamiza and Shimoza?
The kamiza (Japanese: 上座) is the “top seat” within a room, meaning the seat of honor; the term also applies to the best seats in air-planes, trains, and cars. The antonym, meaning “bottom seat,” is shimoza (下座). In a Western-style room it would be a comfortable armchair or sofa, or the head of a table.
Where should I sit in a Japanese business meeting?
kamiza
Seating arrangements are a unique way for the Japanese to show respect to superiors and guests. The “kamiza” is the seat of honor. It is known as the most comfortable and safest seat, usually reserved for a superior or a guest. The “shimoza” is the lowest seat which is typically for the host or the lowest subordinate.
Is there a seating order in Japan?
Generally speaking, the seat furthest from the entrance will be the upper seat. For seating within a room, the seat furthest from the entrance will be the upper seat and as the seats are positioned nearer and nearer to the door they will descend in order as lower seats.
What is a Japanese Tokonoma?
tokonoma, alcove in a Japanese room, used for the display of paintings, pottery, flower arrangements, and other forms of art. Household accessories are removed when not in use so that the tokonoma found in almost every Japanese house, is the focal point of the interior.
Is it OK to wear red in Japan?
Red (Aka) You probably see red a lot in Japan, especially on the shrine gates and temples. However, do not buy anything red to your friends as a house warming gift. Japanese think red associate fire, which might bring bad luck such as fire accidents to the new house.
How can I impress a Japanese client?
Making a good impression First of all, always pass it to the other person using both hands. Secondly, when you receive it, read carefully your partner’s name, surname and position. Finally, put it in your business card holder or on the table if you are about to start a meeting.
How are kamiza and shimoza used in Japan?
Kamiza and Shimoza not only apply to seating arrangements in a room, but also positions and seats in elevators and cars. Additionally there is a hierarchy for the left and right sides to help one determine the property seating etiquette according to the situation. Generally speaking, the seat furthest from the entrance will be the upper seat.
What’s the name of the seat opposite the kamiza?
Shimoza is opposite the Kamiza and is the place where the person welcoming a customer, or a person with a lower position will sit. Kamiza is the name of a seat specially prepared for highly respected people. They are usually for senior executives or executives in a company.
Where is the kamiza in a washitsu room?
In a traditional washitsu room it would often be a zabuton placed so the person sitting there has his back to the tokonoma; the kamiza is the spot closest to the tokonoma or simply farthest from the door in a room lacking a tokonoma. In a Western -style room it would be a comfortable armchair or sofa, or the head of a table.
When to leave the kamiza free in Japan?
When entering a room in Japan on a formal occasion, participants are expected to assume the correct seating position, and to leave the kamiza free for the most important person present, either a guest of honor or the person of highest rank.