Japanese Business Card Exchange Tips

October 2009 by PLG

So you have just received your set of bilingual cards in English and Japanese for your trip to Japan and they did not arrive with a set of instructions. Think of this page as that set of instructions, on how to exchange business cards in Japan properly. If you do not have your set of bilingual business cards yet, please order your Japanese business cards today in time for your trip.

1. Think of the exchange of business cards in Japan as a ceremony. Just like tea ceremonies, the exchange of business cards in Japan is an important ritual.

2. Unlike in western cultures, business cards in Japan are exchanged at the beginning of a meeting.

3. You should always present your Japanese business card to the most senior member of the business first, while holding it with both hands with the Japanese side facing forward, and bowing slightly as he or she accepts the card. You should then expect to do the same, receive the business card with both hands while saying 'Thank You' or 'Hajimemashite' as you accept it.

4. Take your time to read the card when the card is presented to you. Read the person's name and his or her title to make sure that you are pronouncing it correctly. This will also help you remember the person's name by repeating it out loud.

5. Treat your cards with respect. Keep them in a proper case or holder and make sure to not forget the business card on the table, this is considered to be highly disrespectful. Do not stuff it in your pocket or wallet.

6. If you are in a meeting, set the card in front of you on the table and refer to it as necessary. If meeting more than one person, arrange your cards on the table in a neatly manner. Do not scatter your cards on the table.

7. Do not play with the card, bend, or damage the business card in front of its owner. This is considered to be insulting to the business card owner.

8. Never write notes on your cards. Carry a notepad for this or enter them on your handheld device.

9. Make sure you carry enough translated business cards. It would be an embarrasment if you have to write your contact information on a piece of paper. You may have to give a businessperson or sarariman your business card twice for the sake of etiquette, so bringing too many business cards with you is better than having not enough business cards at a Japanese business meeting. Please contact us today for more information about ordering business cards for your trip to Japan, or visit our Japanese businesss card page.

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