Japanese manners and etiquette
【上座と下座】How to sit, serve and fit in

In formal and business situations in Japan, where you sit is determined by your status in relation to the people around you. Here jstyle explains the correct etiquette so when you enter a room, you know which seat is yours:

In a Japanese Tatami style room

In a reception room

Kamiza and shimoza

In Western culture, the most important person traditionally sits at the head of the table, whether the occasion is a company board meeting or a dinner party. The equivalent position of honour in Japan is called "kamiza" (literally "top seat") and is reserved for the person with the highest rank or a special guest. Its opposite is called "shimoza" (bottom seat).

Navigating the room

The kamiza is not necessarily at the end of a table, but is simply the most comfortable seat. It will usually be the position furthest from the door where it is warmest or it might be an armchair or sofa where the important guest can sit comfortably.

If the room is a traditional Japanese-style room where you sit on zabuton (cushions) on the floor, use the entrance and the tokonoma (alcove) as your reference points. The kamiza is the zabuton that is placed so the person sitting will have their back to the tokonoma (1). If the room has no tokonoma, the kamiza is the position furthest from the entrance so the guest of honour is not disturbed by frequent comings and goings (2). The shimoza will be the position closest to the door.

Taking your seat

When entering a room in a formal situation, it is important to leave the kamiza free for the most important person present. This might be your workplace superior, a business client, an elder or a special guest. The host with the highest rank sits across from the guest while the person of lowest rank sits in the shimoza position.
It is good manners to wait until the person of highest rank has sat down, or until you are asked to sit by the host. If you are unsure where you fit in, act humble and take a seat in the shimoza position. If the host then encourages you to move to the kamiza position, it is fine to do so.
Other status situations

In an elevator

In a taxi

In Japan, social hierarchy governs etiquette in many other situations, like the order of taking taxis or riding an elevator. As a general rule, the person with the highest rank goes first.
In an elevator, the person with the lowest rank should act as the operator and hold the door for people to enter and leave. Depending on your rank, you should thank the operator as you leave.

In a taxi, the person with highest rank sits behind the driver, while the lowest in rank rides shotgun.

Being aware of social rank and observing the correct etiquette leaves a good impression on the people around you and makes social and business interactions smoother. Even if you are unsure exactly what to do, being polite and showing you are making an effort goes a long way.