上座/下座 (seating hierarchy)

The Japanese convention of assigned seating by social rank. 上座 (かみざ) is the seat of honor (farthest from the door), occupied by the highest-ranking or most honored person; 下座 (しもざ) is the lowest seat (nearest the door). Applies in tatami rooms, meeting rooms, taxis, and even elevators — seating arrangement reflects hierarchy.