The locals are smart and observant, so learn from them. Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl—they say that practice is observed at Buddhist funerals and is inauspicious in any other setting. The simplest rules are: be honest, be straight, be sincere and be yourself. In business, everyone is formal, so you can never dress up too much. But watch for the indications on the invitation cards. If it says “smart casual”, forget your dark suit. Oh, and try not to sneeze in public. When the Japanese have a cold they often wear a face mask to protect others from their germs.