Etiquette in Japan

The discussion of etiquette in Japan, specfically related to business, was facinating to me. The importance of a business card is so different from what I've experienced. The other day someone gave me their card and I threw it in the conference bag I received when I entered the conference. Doing this in Japan would be perceived as thoughtless and rude. The idea that silence should not be avoided is a difficult one for me. I am a talker and I engage best when having a conversation. As an extrovert my energy comes from interaction and I realized several years ago I needed a job with significant human interaction, or else my soul would shrivel up and die. The idea of silience being part of the negotiation is actually quite profound to me. My husband is much less verbal than me and I remember the first time I met and had dinner with his parents no one spoke as we at the meal. I was quite uncomforable at first, until I realized after we had all finished eating we would be sitting and conversing at the table for a couple of hours. When Professor Peck mentioned not being afraid of silence this meal with my future in-laws came to mind. Thinking of it as a pressure relief makes me see it from another side though. Over the last few years, although I realized professionally I like human interaction, I've become more comfortable and even challenged myself not to feel the need to fill every moment with talking. The idea that silence gives a pressure relief and calms things is quite refreshing. It's interesting to me how those in Japan perceive us as Americans, being loud talkers. Having an understanding of Japanese culture helps me understand why that's the impression we make because it is so different.