Seating arrangement, or 席次 (seki-ji), is about how seats are organized at meetings or receptions. In Japanese business manners, it is essential to place guests, senior individuals, and people of higher status in the best seats. This practice demonstrates respect and hospitality, which are core aspects of Japanese business culture. Let’s explore this concept together.
For other articles regarding Japanese Etiquette, please refer to the links below.
Table of Contents
Chikako Higuchi
Expert in Etiquette and Communication;
Former Shiseido Beauty Consultant. At Shiseido, gained deep expertise in hospitality, aesthetics, and understanding customers’ needs. Moved to KidZania Tokyo, a job-experience theme park for children, to share these skills. Earned the Outstanding Supervisor Award for delivering courteous service and led staff etiquette training.
Later, trained over 20,000 people in etiquette across the country. Involved in publishing, writing columns, supervising magazine articles, and appearing in the media.
Chapter 1: What is "Kamiza" and "Simoza"?
In Japanese business manners, 上座 (kamiza) and 下座 (shimoza) help define seating hierarchy.
- 上座 (kamiza): This is the higher seat for guests, seniors, or people of higher status. It shows respect and honor.
- 下座 (shimoza): This is the lower seat for those of lower status or the hosts.
Knowing where to sit is crucial in Japanese business manners. Mistakes, like sitting in a seat meant for someone else or not knowing where to place guests, can create awkward situations and seem disrespectful.
Understanding these seating rules helps you handle any business situation with confidence and respect.
Chapter 2: Principles of "Kamiza" and "Simoza"
- Upper Seat (上座 – kamiza): This seat is the farthest from the entrance and provides the most comfort. It is reserved for guests or those of higher status in Japanese business manners.
- Lower Seat (下座 – shimoza): This seat is closest to the entrance and is the most convenient for hosts or those of lower status.
These principles are fundamental in Japanese business manners, but they can vary depending on the room type or type of vehicle. Specific rules may also change based on the situation. Let’s explore some concrete examples to see how these principles apply in different contexts.
Chapter 3: Example of Seat Order
A. Small Meeting Room
The upper seat (上座 – kamiza) is the farthest from the entrance, and the lower seat (下座 – shimoza) is closest to the entrance.
For example, in a meeting with two guests and two of your own staff, have the guests sit at the end of the room, farthest from the entrance. Your staff should sit closer to the entrance.
B. Large Meeting Room
When a chairperson is present, they sit at the front center, where they can see everyone.
Participants then take their seats in this order:
- The seat closest to the chairperson and farthest from the entrance is the upper seat (1).
- Directly opposite (2), next to (1), is the next seat.
- Continue filling the seats in this manner.
However, strict adherence to this order may not always be practical. In real business settings, it is often sufficient to remember:
- To avoid sitting at the front or far end.
- To sit closer to the entrance in a more reserved manner.
C. Lounge
When visiting a company, it is common to be shown to a lounge. There are specific seating rules to keep in mind.
- The seat farthest from the entrance is the upper seat (上座 – kamiza), and the seat closest to the entrance is the lower seat (下座 – shimoza), just as with other settings.
- If there are both a long sofa and single chairs, the long sofa is considered the upper seat.
D. Restaurants
In restaurants, the seat farthest from the entrance is the upper seat (上座 – kamiza). If there is a long bench against the wall and single chairs, the long bench is the upper seat.
Additionally, consider the comfort of the seat. For example, if the restaurant offers a view, such as a nightscape, it’s polite to offer the best view to senior guests.
It’s also thoughtful to seat those of lower status where they can easily see the waiter’s movements, helping with additional orders or requests. Additionally, you might offer the upper seat to women, following the principle of “ladies first.
E. Traditional Japanese Restaurants
In traditional Japanese restaurants or rooms, seating often depends on the presence of a 床の間 (tokonoma), a special decorative space in the room.
- The tokonoma displays items like hanging scrolls or seasonal flowers and is considered a high-status area.
In these rooms, the seat closest to the tokonoma is the upper seat (上座 – kamiza). This seat is not necessarily the one with the best view but is closest to the tokonoma.
If you need to sit with your back to the tokonoma, the important factor is still being near it. The idea is to place high-status individuals closest to the most prestigious spot. For all other seats, follow the general rule: the seat farthest from the entrance is the upper seat (上座 – kamiza), and the seat closest to the entrance is the lower seat (下座 – shimoza).
F. Round Tables
Round tables are ideal for meals and gatherings because everyone can see each other and communicate easily.
- The seat farthest from the entrance is the upper seat (上座 – kamiza) and is considered the most important (1).
- The seat to the left of this position is next in rank (2).
- The seat to the right of the upper seat is the next in rank (3).
The seating order moves from left to right, with the seats closest to the entrance being the lowest in rank.
G. Counter Seats
In places like sushi bars or bars with counter seating, the seat farthest from the entrance is the upper seat (上座 – kamiza).
However, if three people are having a conversation, it’s also common to seat the guest of honor in the center of the counter.a
H. Taxi
In taxis or similar vehicles, seating is based on two main factors:
Safety: Traditionally, the seat behind the driver was considered the safest in case of an accident. Therefore, this seat is considered the upper seat (上座 – kamiza). The front passenger seat is the lower seat (下座).
Comfort: When three people sit in the back seat, the middle seat can be uncomfortable because it’s between the other two seats. Therefore, it’s common for the person of lower status to sit in the middle.
Seating Arrangement:
- (1): Behind the driver (upper seat)
- (2): Next to the door (lower seat)
However, adjust the seating based on the situation. For instance, if someone is dressed up and finding it difficult to shift to the upper seat, it may be better to offer the more accessible seat (2). Knowing the basics while also being considerate of the situation is key.
I. Elevators
In elevators, the key point is who operates the controls:
- Operation Etiquette: The person of lower status should handle the elevator controls, like pressing the buttons. So, the seat or position nearest to the control panel is the lower seat (下座 – shimoza).
- The seat behind the control panel is the upper seat (上座 – kamiza).
For larger groups, standing positions follow the same idea, but it may not always be practical to stick to it exactly. Generally, remember that the seat or position closest to the controls is the lower seat, and the one farther from the controls is the upper seat.
Chapter 4: Key Principles of Seating Arrangement
If you find all the details overwhelming, focus on these basics. Even many Japanese people don’t know all the specifics, and real-life situations may vary. Here are the essential points:
- The seat farthest from the entrance is the upper seat (上座 – kamiza), and the seat closest to the entrance is the lower seat (下座 – shimoza).
- Comfortable seats, like those with a good view or bigger chairs, are upper seats. Seats that are easier for the host to manage are lower seats.
Additional Tips:
- Don’t immediately take the farthest seat; wait to be offered it.
- If invited to the upper seat, say something like, “Thank you. I’ll take the seat in the back. ” (ありがとうございます。奥の席に、失礼いたします。 / Arigatou gozaimasu. Oku no seki ni, shitsurei itashimasu.)
Chapter 5: Summary
Seating manners, or 席次 (seki-ji), are a key aspect of Japanese business manners, showing respect and hospitality through seating arrangements.
While there are guidelines like “upper seats” (上座) and “lower seats” (下座), the most important thing in Japanese business etiquette is to make the other person feel comfortable. Knowing the basic principles is helpful, but it’s even better to focus on ensuring your guest has the most comfortable seat. If you are offered the upper seat, it’s good to express both humility and gratitude when accepting it.
