The company I work for is represented in Japan by a small (~6 people) family owned sales organization in which the father & son head the company. We received word today that the wife/mother, who also worked there, passed away suddenly yesterday.

We consider the people at this company to be our friends in addition to being close business partners and are deeply saddened to hear this news. Our hearts go out to the family as we know how close they all were and how difficult this situation must be for them. The husband and wife were inseparable and have been gracious hosts to myself and my coworkers during our visits to Japan.

Can someone provide any insight on the best approach to take in this situation? We want to pay our respects, express our sympathy, and offer our support, but aren't familiar with Japanese death/funeral/grieving customs and don't want to make a colossal blunder in the process. We haven't had any direct contact with the family since this happened, we were informed by a mutual business partner in Japan this morning. All we have done so far is to FedEx a sympathy card.

Any feedback from those who have been in this situation would be appreciated. Thanks.