Business cards

Business cards, or Meishi, are of great importance. It is in fact a “must have.” Businesses cannot start unless the exchange of business cards is completed.

A couple of things to take note regarding business cards:

• Carry lots of it during your business trips. Keep them in compact cases which you can also use to store the business cards you will receive.
• If possible, have double-sided business cards with a Japanese language on one side and your home language on the other side. Also if possible have them in English, too.
• When handing and receiving a card, use both hands as a sign of respect. Take time to read the details. Immediately disregarding the business card that is handed to you is a sign of rudeness.
• Writing on a Japanese business card, fidgeting with it, or tossing it is considered an insult.