As a seasoned international traveler, I average about 70% of my time on the road, most of it in another country. My meeting in the Philippines was finished and I was pleased that my role as a negotiator had gone well. Packing up my materials, I hurried to the airport and caught a plane to Japan for another series of meetings.

I had landed a project with a new Japanese client and looked forward to developing a positive business connection. Before I had time to unpack at the hotel, I received a call.

“We're heading out to the Sauna garden and water pools to relax before dinner.”

“Everyone?”

My future business associate confirmed, "Pretty much all of us. Are you interested?”

“Sure.”

A car stopped at my hotel to pick me up and we were off in a caravan. Although I was tired, I was looking forward to sitting in the steamy water pools and continuing to develop a friendship in a more casual atmosphere. Once we arrived at our destination, we entered an exquisite garden with a building designed as an area to change our clothing. As I prepared to put on my swim trunks, I saw that the men were simply wrapping towels around their bodies and walking out into the gardens. I didn’t realize until that very moment that the Japanese custom was to relax in the pools ... in the nude.

It was probably the most interesting casual discussion I’ve ever had with business associates. I have since learned to educate myself on local customs before I casually say, “Sure.”

Phil W.
Santa Margarita, CA

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