Japanese Business Cards

Exchanging Japanese Business cards is a significant part of Japan’s work culture. If you meet a Japanese person, even casually, chances are they’ll give you their business card when you first meet. This simple gesture is actually a big deal – in Japan, you are unlikely to make a solid first impression unless an individual has his own business card also known as ‘meishi koukan’. This article will tell you what you need to know about Japanese business cards and to aid all those business people who are new in Japan for business. 

Continue reading this article to grasp everything about Japanese business cards and to avoid making a cultural blunder.

What are Japanese business cards and why is this ritual important?

Japan is a country of rituals, respect, and etiquette. Whenever Japanese businessmen meet for the first time, they present or exchange their cards with others. Japanese Business Card exchange is a practice vital to perform in business, despite the prevalence of remote work and digitalization. These cards give your formal introduction to others before the start of the meeting. It is still a big deal in Japan to exchange these cards to paramount your relationships with others. 

According to Dr. Deborah Swallow who has written numerous books on cultural communication, if you don’t have a business card in Japan, it means you are of no consequence or you do not exist.

Why do we exchange Japanese Business Cards?

The exchange of Japanese business cards is the basic social ritual in a nation where rituals matter a lot. If you do not know about Meishi, you do not know much about Japan. If you are respecting this ritual and exchange business cards in Japan, it implies you value their business and relationships and will be respectful towards their business deals as well. This card contains information about you, your business, contact, address, website address, and email. The exchange of the cards will provide information about you and your business to other business partners. Therefore, it will be easier for other businessmen to contact you later with the help of business cards. 

Origin of this culture in Japan 

According to Takashi Nakano, director of the Japan Business Card Association, there are numerous theories about the origin of Japanese business cards.  In Calling Card: the evolution of business cards in Japan, he said that in 15th century China, it was common to make small cards from bamboo with a person’s name on them. Afterward, these cards become calling cards when they are placed on windows after a visit and with the intention to return. Another theory suggests that when the black ships sailed into Tokyo Bay in 1853, Commodore Matthew C. Perry’s delegation carried business cards with them. The people on the ship had something for identity that looked like business cards. Nakano says that the Japanese copied this name card system, thus establishing “meishi.” 

What are the functions of these Japanese business cards?

Before conducting business practices in Japan, it is advisable to follow Japanese business rituals and practices for more effective communication. For new businessmen, Japanese business cards are quite helpful because of the information contained in them.

General Information included:

Usually, a Japanese business card includes information about the owner’s full name, company name, position, department, and means of contact such as phone number, email address, company’s email address, and postal address. Business cards convey significant information about the rank and title of an individual.

Functions of Japanese Business Cards

1. Brand identity: Despite having general information, a business card gives the first exposure to the overall image of a business. The font used, color, texture, design, paper quality, laminating, thermography, and stamping also indicate the type of business.
2. Passing your information: Exchanging business cards is the easiest way to quickly transfer information. Multiple business cards can be handed out in seconds to a number of people at an event and can capture the attention of various other successful businessmen. People can also share your business card easily with someone else who they think might be a good match for you. Make sure your business model is easy to understand through one quick glance at your business card.
3. Effective means of exchanging information: Although people tend to rely on digital devices for exchanging information, this practice of exchanging business cards is still preferred in Japan. Some people are not tech-savvy and do not own devices to exchange information. For them, this is a mere effective way of exchanging business cards.
4. Essential in international trade: International business operates on the basis of values shared by countries involved in trade. In countries where exchanging business cards can lead you toward a win-win situation, you must bring your business card there to show your respect and gratitude toward different cultural values. 
5. Convey professionalism and preparedness: The goodwill of a business can be affected by the action of not having a business card in your hand, specifically in Japan. A card in your hands shows that you are respectful toward Japanese culture and that you are prepared to build a relationship with other business professionals. This professionalism will take you and your business toward greater success. You can make yourself more familiar with Japanese business cards after watching this video.

What is the process of exchanging Japanese business cards?

Business cards have a cultural and symbolic value attached to them. There are certain steps involved in the exchange that should be followed strictly without any deviations. Following this process will ensure a base for successful international business ventures. The process has the following steps:

1. Be prepared: Before attending a meeting in Japan, always be aware of the number of people attending the meeting. Ensure you have enough business cards for meetings. If you find that you are running short on cards, be honest and admit your mistake.
2. Have your cards ready: Always make sure that you store your cards in an easily accessible space, such as a business card case. This will prevent any damage to the business cards. It can also be easily presented immediately if you store your cards in the proper manner. Avoid keeping it in your wallet.
3. Present your card with a bow and introduce yourself: Hold your card by the top corner so that it does not cover any logos and names. Always offer your business card with your right hand. Don’t forget to bow while presenting your business card and remember to use the Japanese phrase ‘Hajime-mashite’ which means nice to meet you and your name in Japanese while introducing yourself to another person.
4. Accept another person’s card: When it’s your turn to receive a card from another person, accept it with both hands. Hold the card at a low position, no higher than your chest. Don’t forget to thank them for the card. 
5. Examine the card: Now read the card carefully and make yourself familiar with everything that is printed on the card, most significantly the presenter’s name. Practice saying their name and if you do not know how to pronounce their name, you can ask them. 
6. Finish up the process: Continue this practice until you have everyone’s cards and they have yours. Arrange the cards on the table as you receive accordingly, it will help you to keep track of whom to address, and how to address according to their respective rank.

Please take note and how to simultaneously give and receive a business card at the same time in the video.

What are the key etiquettes of exchanging Japanese business cards?

In Japan, you can lose credibility if you are ignoring certain key etiquettes of exchanging Japanese business cards. Knowing etiquette before exchanging business cards can prevent you from embarrassing situations and can make a positive impression on potential future business partners or clients that you understand the culture and are therefore reliable. You need to follow hierarchical order during the exchange. 

Important things to consider before exchanging Japanese business cards

1. Always bear in mind that do not flick, throw, slide, or push the business card across the table to Japanese businessmen. 
2. Always stand up before making an exchange.
3. Don’t hand out a dirty, wrinkled, and folded card.
4. Never bend, fold, play with, or fidget with a business card.
5. After receiving the card, treat it with utmost respect and put it in a card case.
6. Never write notes or anything on the business card.
7. Follow the hierarchical order to exchange cards.
8. Never put another person’s business card in your pocket after receiving it. 
9. Always carefully pick up all the Japanese business cards received at meetings. Forgetting someone’s business card is considered extremely disrespectful or a slap on the face. Therefore always bring all business cards received at meetings.
10. It is not mandatory to use Japanese phrases in the first meeting if the other person is not speaking in Japanese. 

Which language must be preferred to print business cards

In Japan, double-sided business cards should be used. Both English and Japanese language must be included in the card.

How to deal with mistakes that can be made by you while exchanging Japanese business cards

Do not hesitate to admit your mistake if you have done something wrong. In a business setting, it is considered wise to be mindful of your mistakes and apologize.

If you forget to bring business cards or run low with the cards then confront this to another person. 

If you do not know how to pronounce something in Japanese you can ask them instead of making mistakes. 

Are digital business cards exchanged in Japan?

Digital business cards, also known as virtual business cards, are an online means of introducing oneself to another. One can create digital cards in an instant on phones and computers. Like normal business cards, these can be customized and designed accordingly. Space on cards should be utilized effectively as there is no constraint. These digital cards provide an opportunity to make it more interactive by adding more features such as photos, videos, and animation. According to Mel Chiri in A guide to digital business cards in 2022, several benefits are associated with the usage of digital business cards.

Merits of digital business cards

1. Digital Japanese business cards are eco-friendly: Usage of digital cards has reduced paper usage and saves the cutting of trees, which is better for the environment.
2. Convenient: Digital business cards are easily accessible as long as you have your digital device with you. If needed, you can easily modify the information on it. Whereas typical business cards involve the high costs of making changes. 
3. Affordable: Digital Japanese business cards are more affordable than their paper counterparts. You do not need to allocate a budget for the whole year for paper-based business cards. Instead, you can make it at minimum cost or even at no cost online. 
4. Lead to seamless follow-ups: When a digital card is exchanged, it does not get lost in the oblivion of old receipts, gum wrappers, and documents. It directly goes to the receiver’s inbox and can be easily integrated by you and another person.
5. Digital cards are contactless: These cards can be shared anytime with anyone. It can be shared via email, text, or social media. During Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet video calls, you can share the QR code or URL. You can scan the card with your smartphone. After uploading the data online, you can easily search for the right contact by industry, position, etc.

Demerits of digital business cards

1. Lack of personal touch: Digital channels have eased life to a large extent. But is it personal? The answer is no. Exchanging digital cards means that you cannot establish a personal relationship with another person as it does not involve any conversation, handshake, or gestures. In brief, an effective interaction cannot be achieved through this means of exchanging cards.
2. Seldom remain unread: One cannot be sure about the actual reading of cards. Digital cards are likely to be buried in inboxes and remain unread. Without reading cards, how can someone be assured of the relationship?
3. You lose out on people sharing your business card with someone else

How do you get your digital business card ready?

Making a digital card is quite convenient and easy and can be made at an instant. For this, you just need to download any digital business card application on your digital device. Once you have the application you are all set to make your first virtual card. For example, HiHello is an application with which you can create your digital business card by just creating an account on this website. Once you have your card ready you can make any changes and additions if required.

In Japan, you can visit San San to have your card ready. Sansan: Centralized Business Card-based Contact Management 

How to exchange digital business cards in Japanese culture

When an individual cannot exchange business cards in person then digital business cards are a solution to this. If you are having an online meeting, there are still some ways to exchange business cards. Firstly, you need to consult with the persons who are attending the meeting to choose an appropriate way to give and receive business cards. You can exchange cards either by mail or by sending pictures or by sending links. Following are the ways by which digital business cards can be exchanged

1. Share your business card using a QR code.
2. By sending a text or email.
3. By sending the link to your business card.
4. By using iOS or Android features.
5. By sharing through NFC. (Near-field communication).

Does the design of Japanese business cards impact the interaction between people?

Yes, the design matters a lot, and it does impact the impression of an individual and their business. With Japan placing a considerable cultural emphasis on business cards, it’s imperative that these cards are designed with a professional touch.

You can get your business card designed on platforms like Lancers or Coconala, offering a variety of skilled designers to choose from. Depending on your needs, you can find options within a general price range that suits your budget.  For a convenient all-in-one solution, you can even consider a business card pamphlet combo, available at sites like B-Mall. These platforms are mainly Japanese. However, you could use a service like Fiverr and you need to make sure they know where to put the Japanese characters in your business card.

After grasping the process and etiquette of exchanging Japanese business cards, let’s delve into the specifics of their format. Ensuring your business cards are designed in a manner that’s easy for recipients to read and comprehend is crucial. Moreover, all pertinent information should be displayed appropriately.

Select the font size, style, and color based on the nature of your business. Your business card should encompass all vital details you wish others to know about your business: company name, logo, your name, title, department, location, contact information, website, email address, social media links, slogans, QR code, and other relevant information.

The standard Japanese business card dimensions are 91mm x 55mm, although you can also choose a size that fits neatly into a business card holder.

Where can cards be printed in Japan if you are new to the country?

If you are new to Japan, there are English-speaking business card printing services available to help you create business cards. For example, Mojo Print and Design Meishi are two places offering business cards with effective designs. These places design business cards that are stylish yet very professional to impress your clients and other professionals at competitive prices. You can print large quantities and quick turnaround times that help you to get out of a troublesome situation of shortage of business cards. Moreover, Design Meishi provides an express service that makes your card in a few hours. Apart from these, there are numerous other places from where you can get your card ready.

Cheap Business Cards in Japan

Mojo

Mojo offers an English website and their printing is quite cheap, especially compared to the traditional printing companies in Japan. 

Printpac

One other cheaper option with no English language is Printpac. They have a range of pricing for each item when you need it. Therefore, the pricing depends upon the time you are giving it to print.

Premium Business Cards in Japan

Monkey Print

Monkeyprint.jp is a Japanese printing service offering print and design work and help across Japan including Okinawa, Tokyo, Osaka, and more. It uniquely offers free delivery all over Japan. Its 250g matte laminated business cards are the most popular product.

Final Thoughts 

Japanese Business Cards, also known as “Meishi koukan,” stands as a timeless cornerstone of Japanese business culture. Arriving unprepared without these cards can hinder effective communication with Japanese professionals.

If you’re embarking on your inaugural journey to Japan, acquainting yourself with the nuances of business card exchange is a must. Don’t fret – ensure a seamless experience by familiarizing yourself with the recommended practices. Additionally, when in Japan, consider the suggested locales for printing your own cards, allowing you to integrate seamlessly into this vital custom.

If you’re stepping into the realm of Japanese business, it’s crucial to immerse yourself in its culture. To navigate with confidence, explore resources like these articles: Japanese Corporate Culture and Japanese Business Etiquette. They’ll serve as valuable guides as you embark on your business journey in Japan.