Breakaway Destination Guides (International)
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Business Cards in Japan
If you are visiting Japan on business, double-sided business cards in Japanese and English are a must. Why? They show potential partners that you
are serious, and that you understand and respect their culture. This small effort on your part establishes trust, and maximizes your opportunity
for excellent results.
The Japanese businessmen carry what is called meishi, their business card. In Japan, business actually cannot take place until these cards have been
exchanged with the utmost respect. On the card will be the name of the organization you work for, your own name and the address of the organization. That
type of information helps establish rank and will influence how one person will treat the other. If you are someone working for an important company, for
example, whether or not you hold a major position isn't that terribly important. Working for an almost unknown company, though, even if you are
vice-president doesn't carry as much weight.
 The origin of the cards is a little unusual. They were introduced from China, which is not unusual, but they were first used by eunuchs in the Imperial
Court. The cards are so important that there is a definite procedure in exchanging them. You hand the card to the other person so that they can read it, in
other words, it's upside down to you. You accept their card, examined carefully and respectfully to ascertain the role and status of each person, and then
arrayed on the meeting table as reference or put away in your special container. You don't write on the card ( it is considered a direct insult) and you
definitely don't put the card casually down, nor do you bring out a bunch of cards and put this one in like it was another card in a deck of playing
cards.
Business cards are an internationally recognised means of presenting personal contact details, so ensure you have a plentiful supply. Demonstrating good
business etiquette is merely a means of presenting yourself as best you can. Failure to adhere to foreign business etiquette does not always have disastrous
consequences, however when travelling abroad for business it is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into the appropriate language.
 Business Card Exchanges Guidelines:
1. Cards are exchanged at the beginning of a meeting.
Make sure you have enough available for everyone.
2. It is best to stand up when exchanging cards with those of higher rank.
3. Facing your counterpart, bow as long and as low as befits your station - being foreign, young, female, and/or unaffiliated with a corporation means you must
bow very, very low.
4. The same rule applies when receiving a card from someone else, but you should bow even longer and lower than you did before. Say thank you, or
'Hajimemashite,' as you accept it with both hands.
5. Use both hands when presenting your business card. Your card should be printed on both sides (Japanese on one, English on the other). When presenting your
card, the Japanese side should be facing up.
6. Make time to review your counterpart's card carefully. You might want to speak his/her name and position to be sure of correct pronunciation. If the meaning
of his/her job position is in any way unclear, it would not hurt to ask for an explanation. Basically, you want to show interest in and respect to the other party.
7. DO NOT shove the card into your back trouser pocket!!
♦ If you are meeting in passing, then you may just carefully place the card in a shirt pocket or in a wallet or notebook.
♦ If you are seated at a meeting, place the card gently on the table in front of you. Look at it often during the meeting in order to refer correctly to your
counterpart's name and position.
♦ If you are meeting more than one person and have received multiple cards, arrange them neatly in front of you.
8. If you are receiving multiple cards at once, you may leave them in a neat stack in front of you until the end of your meeting. If not, retrieve your custom-made
business card holder, and slide your new acquisition inside - carefully, like it were a piece of art.
9. The Japanese hand out their business card at the drop of a hat. Don't be left out! Give your card to anyone that you want to hear from again. You'll likely
go through a lot more cards during your trip to Japan than you would back home.
 Business Meeting Etiquette
♦ Casual American-style attire is still uncommon in the Japanese business place. You should dress appropriately for the occasion when meeting your counterparts
on business.
♦ When sitting down to a business meeting with your Asian counterparts, the seating arrangement will be determined by the status of the participants. Do not just
sit anywhere, as the guest, you will be directed to the appropriate seat.
♦ As a general rule, the highest ranking person from the host side will sit at the head of the table. Then, other people will take their seats starting from the
seats closest to him and working to the other end of the table. Those of higher status sit closest to the "head honcho".
♦ You should stand at your seat and wait for the top guy to tell you to be seated. Then, when the meeting is finished, wait until he has stood up before standing
up yourself.
♦ Non-alcoholic drinks will probably be served at the beginning of the meeting and they will be distributed in the order of descending importance of recipients.
You may want to wait for the top guy to drink from his glass before starting on yours.
♦ Gifts are always appreciated. Consider bringing a small souvenir that represents well your hometown to give to your host. Don't be surprised if your hosts give
you something from their country too. If the gift is wrapped, don't open it until you leave. If the gift is not wrapped, make sure to express copious appreciation
(whether you like it or not). Ask some questions about the gift to show interest.
♦ You may want to take notes during the meeting. This will show that you are interested and will be appreciated by your hosts. However, you should make certain never
to write anyone's name in red ink (even your own) and so carry a black or blue pen.
"A boat that is not tied up will drift along with the stream." | |
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Asian Guides
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