How to deal with Japanese business card culture

In this article, I’ll answer the following questions that might pop up in your head when you work in Japan.

When I entered the room people started to wait in line holding business cards. What is it all about? Is there rules? Why do people do it?

What you will learn

I feel that I am credible to write this article because I have 7 years experience at a typical midsize Japenese firm. I have been working from fresh graduate where I had etiquette training, and been working as international sales, and corporate strategist.

1. 3 basic rules, and how to do it

1-1 Hand first to the person of the highest rank then down

There is a clear rule to the order of say greetings and exchanging business cards. Exchanging cards is usually done from the visiting persons, so if you are the visitor, you should propose to exchange cards. Look around the room and try to find the highest ranking person. It is usually the oldest so you shouldn’t have any problem finding the person. If you found him/her, greet and then ask to exchange business cards. After that, all others will wait in line behind the highest ranked person to exchange cards with you so no need to try to find the next highest rank. So you will go on and exchange cards until you have collected cards of everyone in the room. However if you were invited to a place where there are more than 20 people, it may be ok to exchange with the highest ranked persons plus people who came up to you to exchange.

1-2 Hold business card with both hands and exchange at the same time

There is an etiquette of how to exchange business cards in Japan. If you plan to do it the Japanese way. You might want to remember the manner. First hold business card with both hands your business card facing the opposing person so that they can read the words. Then say “ohatsu ni omenikakarimasu (お初にお目にかかります)“ or “nice to meet you”. Then mention your company name and your name. Then if exchanging at the same time, hand out your card with your right hand, and accept the opposing person’s card with your left hand. Then hold the person’s card with both hands, and say “choudai itashinasu (頂戴いたします)” or “I’ll gladly accept your card”.

1-3 Place the business card you accepted on your card case

You do this so that it would not touch the table directly. If you got more than one card at the same time, place the highest ranked person on your card case.

2. Why do Japanese people do this

As with the bowing, senpai, and all other Japanese business cultures, business cards seems like another formality, and also there may be a bit of animism of Shinto. When you receive a business card, you treat it as though it is the person itself, and that is why you place it on the card case and not directly on the table.

Summary

1. Understand the 3 basic rules
2. Japanese business card culture is mostly about formality