You're starting a new job, and there's a welcome dinner
Starting Your Career
First table manners for new employees: place settings, seating, the flow of a meal, conversation and thanks — plus what to wear and a checklist.
Learn
0 of 5 lessons complete
- Table Setting · 5 minA Well-Set TableSo you can read the place setting at a glance and know which utensils to use.Start
- Table Setting · 5 minTaking Your SeatTo understand seats of honor and wait to be shown where to sit — something Japanese colleagues notice.Start
- At the Table · 6 minThe Flow of a MealThe flow of a meal and good posture are the foundation for every business meal.Sign in to unlock
- Conversation · 5 minEating and TalkingSo you're never caught answering a question with your mouth full.Sign in to unlock
- Conversation · 6 minClosing the MealTo handle the bill when someone treats you, and build trust with a thank-you the next day.Sign in to unlock
Read beforehand
- Using Cutlery From the Outside InCutlery is laid out in course order, from the outside in. Take the outermost pair with each course and you’ll never be unsure, however many courses there are.
- Seats of Honor and Seating OrderIn a private room, the seat farthest from the door is often the seat of honor. As a guest, don’t choose for yourself — wait for the host.
- Pouring and KanpaiPour bottled beer label up with both hands, and lift your glass when someone pours for you. Here's how high to hold your glass for kanpai, and how a memorial kenpai differs.
- Declining a DrinkA brief word before it’s poured, or a fingertip resting on the rim of your glass, is all it takes. No explanation is needed.
- Phones at the TablePut your phone away during the meal and give your time to the people in front of you.
- The Bill and Saying ThanksWhen you’re a guest, leave the bill to the host and thank them in specific words. How a meal ends is how it’s remembered.
Check what to wear
Dress codeBusiness (suit or jacket)
- Unless told otherwise, wear what you'd wear to work — usually a suit or a jacket.
- If the invitation says “casual,” smart office-casual is still the safest choice, especially in Japan.
- Neatness — no creases, stains or scuffed shoes — is noticed before how formal you are.
Outfit check
Find a restaurant
Restaurants for this occasion: 72
View the listPrep checklist
Done 0 of 7
A week before
The day before
On the day
Your checks are saved on this device only.