Business Card Exchanges Guidelines 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.

Here is the common tips you can not ignore when making business card exchanges with Japanese partner:

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 slightly and hand your card (with the Japanese side pointing up!) either with
your right hand or both hands. The same rule applies when receiving a card from someone else.
4. 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.
5.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 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 an position.If you are meeting more than 1 people and
received multiple cards,arrange them neatly in front of you.
6. The Japanese hand out their business card at the drop of a hat.Dont 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.