联合国是当今世界最大、最重要、最具代表性和权威性的国际组织，在促进世界各国经济、科学、文化的合作与交流方面，发挥着积极作用。根据联合国“进行国际合作，解决国际间经济、社会、文化问题”的宗旨，其相关机构会不定期发布前往特殊国家的文化注意事项（Cultural Tips），方便致力于国际间经济、社会、文化交流的人员入乡随俗，充分尊重目的地人民的习俗和感情。
对于出行日本的公务和民间人员，联合国列出了最应注意的14条文化事项。
一般性文化注意事项（General Cultural Tips）
1. When entering a Japanese home, it is customary to remove shoes and position them facing the door. Follow your host"s example.（进入日本人家中时，习惯性的做法是把鞋子脱掉，并将鞋尖向外、对着门口。具体可参考屋主的做法。）
2.Most Japanese people avoid direct eye contact during conversations.（大部分日本人在沟通时都会避免双方目光的直接交流。）
3.If using chopsticks, avoid using them to point at someone and do not leave them sticking up in a bowl of rice.（使用筷子时，不要用筷子指人，也不要将它们插在饭里。）
4.Only ask people about their spouse or children if you are sure your conversational partner is married/has children. Asking unmarried people about a spouse or childless people about children may embarrass a Japanese person.（只有在确定对方确实已婚或育子后，才能谈及其配偶或孩子；对未婚或尚未生子的日本人来说，贸然谈及此类话题，会造成尴尬。）
5.It is customary to bring chocolate, cookies or cakes when invited to a Japanese home.Purchasing them in a department store where they will be wrapped is recommended.（被邀请至日本人家做客时，礼貌上应该带上巧克力、小饼干或糕点等礼物，最好是在百货公司购买并妥善包装。）
6.The Japanese do not usually open gifts when they are presented.（日本人在收到礼物时，一般不会当面拆开。）
商务文化注意事项（Business Cultural Tips）
1.The Japanese are accustomed to shaking hands upon greeting, though bowing is traditional and sometimes used as well. If your are bowed to, return the gesture by bowing either to the same depth or lower - the depth of your bow is indicative of the status relationship between you and your counterpart.（日本人已习惯用握手的方式表示问候，但鞠躬仍作为传统礼节使用。如果有人向你鞠躬问候，你必须用同样的姿势回鞠，深度应与对方相当或稍微深一些，因为鞠躬的深浅代表着你和对方身份地位的差别。）
2.Consider using the honorific suffix san when addressing people when introduced: Mr. or Ms. Yamada can be addressed as Yamada-san.（在相互介绍时，一定要使用敬语后缀“san”。如，Yamada先生或小姐，应该敬称为“Yamada-san”。）
3.Business cards are usually exchanged upon introductions. It is advisable to have yours printed in both English and Japanese. Use both hands to both present and receive cards. Read the card carefully before putting it away.（初次见面通常需要互换名片，最好将名片上的信息用英文和日文同时表达。在交换名片时，须双手传递，仔细阅读名片信息后，再将其放下。）
4.Make business appointments in advance and be punctual.（商务会面要提前预约并准时到达。）
5.Entertainment is an important part of business arrangements and usually takes place after business hours at a bar or restaurant. Although business may be discussed, these outings are primarily occasions for building friendships.（娱乐也是商务交往的重要组成部分，通常在休息时间安排去酒吧或饭馆。虽然也会涉及商务内容，但这种场合应以建立双方的友谊为主。）
6.Business dress is formal and conservative. Men should wear a suit and women should wear either a dress or a suit.（商务着装最好正式而保守。男士穿西服，女士着套裙或套装。）
7.Business gifts are very important in Japan. The gifts should always be wrapped and are often presented at first business meetings.（商务礼品在日本非常重要，通常包装精美，并于第一次会面时呈上。）
8.Be aware that the Japanese try not to disagree openly. They may avoid saying "no" by giving an unenthusiastic "yes".（要知道，日本人是最不愿意公开表达不同意见的，他们通常使用冷淡的一个“是”来表示“不”。）
