Japanese Business Card Exchange Protocol

Offering a business card with one hand is considered disrespectful in Japan.

In Japan, the business card represents the "face" of the person whose name it bears. As such, business cards are important, and they must be exchanged and handled with an appropriate air of respect and concern.

Timing

The Japanese business card exchange takes place immediately upon meeting someone for the first time; this process may even take place before a formal introduction. There is no set rule on whether the guest or host offers his business card first.

Handling the Business Card

Always offer and accept business cards with two hands. Japanese culture considers a card offered with one hand a disrespectful sign of carelessness and casualness, especially between business acquaintances.

Examine the Card

Remember that a business card is the "face" of the person offering it. A lot of care goes into designing and selecting a business card, and you must offer the same amount of care in examining and appreciating the workmanship. Carefully inspect the front and back sides of the card; complimenting an aspect of the business card will go a long way towards gaining your new acquaintance's favor.

Holding the Business Card

Japanese business card exchange protocol requires that you hold the card with care. Do not, under any circumstances, place a business card in your front shirt pocket, your pants pocket or in your wallet; doing so is unforgivably rude.

Storing the Business Card

Leave the business card on the table in front of you to be put away at the end of the meeting, or place the business card in a special holder--preferably made of metal or leather--to show respect and concern for the card.

References

• BuyUSA.Gov: Cultural Business Etiquette, Asia