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Business Card Etiquette in Japan
Offering and receiving business cards in Japan should be in accordance with the etiquette of the country.
In Japan business cards are called meishi [may-shi]. They are considered to be an undividable part of business culture, helping businesspersons to interact more smoothly and establish successful business relations. Overall, business cards are valued in Japan and it is almost an obligation for every person to possess meishi since he/she has graduated.
- The name of your company, your title and rank should be prominently printed on a color business card, since Japanese pay much attention to title.
- Handing over your business card hold it with both hands, accepting offered business cards grab the bottom corners of a business card with both hands.
- According to Japanese etiquette you should offer your business card to an individual of the highest standing first and then to other persons.
- It is important that you study offered card for a moment and only then put it away in a card case or your wallet.
- Do not crumple a business card up into a pocket; it may seem very impolite.
- It is very impolite when accepted business card is not taken away in the right time. So don’t forget to put it in a wallet or a card case.
- Having handed over your card, bow and introduce yourself. Say your name, name of the company you work in and your rank. It is not uncommon to prefer handshake instead of bowing when dealing with foreigners.
- It is unacceptable to write on somebody’s custom business card.
- It is unacceptable to fold business cards.
- Although it is initially practiced between Japanese companies, you should still keep in mind the following: Offering business cards to superiors subordinates hold their cards at a lower level.
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