When you are introduced to someone, address that person as "you". Do not call the person by their first name until you are told that you can do so. Accompany the greeting with a handshake and repeat it when saying goodbye.

But the Japanese know perfectly well that we Westerners greet each other by shaking hands, so they are not surprised if you do so.

However, I recommend that you wait for the Japanese to extend their hand first to avoid awkward situations.

In Japan, the traditional greeting is a slight nod of the head, which can vary in angle depending on the level of respect you want to show. In Colombia, it is common to greet with a handshake, a hug or a kiss on the cheek, depending on the degree of trust and closeness that exists between people. These gestures often reflect Colombian warmth and hospitality.

In both countries, basic greetings such as "Hello", "Good morning", "Good afternoon", "Good evening" and questions such as "How are you?" are used to start a conversation and show interest in the other person's well-being.

In Ecuador, as in Colombia, one can be quite informal in daily dealings, using simple and close greetings. However, in Colombia, formality in treatment may vary more depending on the region and the specific situation, while in Ecuador it tends to be more uniform throughout the country.