Q. Is there much “after hours” entertaining?

Answer:

Before the bubble burst, it seemed that Japanese businesspeople were busy virtually every night entertaining clients. Now that some retrenchment has taken place, the difference between America and Japan is not that great. Still, with the exception of top–level executives, the American businessperson does not spend much time after hours with customers and clients. Private time and family time are important.

Instead there are breakfast meetings and the so–called “power lunch” where top executives meet to discuss major decisions over a two–hour lunch.