Neither had I, but now I am in the know.
So, “konichiwa” dear visitor!

It seems that in Japan the practice of exchanging business cards is not just simply important, but there even is an etiquette to it. In Japan, your business card represents your social status. Important knowledge in an increasingly globalised world.

I have found some instruction videos online that teach the novice how to exchange the card. Unless a business card has been exchanged, no business can take place. And if the card is exchanged badly, well you can imagine what that means for the ensuing business relationship.

Here is one of these instruction videos:

Business card etiquette starts with the layout of the actual business card itself, which should be printed in Japanese on one side and in English on the other.

So here you go, this is what you have to bear in mind:

1. First of all the handover: You use both hands to exchange the business card and you do this with the Japanese side of your business card pointing up.

2. Secondly you need to know your social status in comparison to the social status of your opposite as this will establish how deeply and how long you should bow for. Factors that have an influence on your status include age, nationality, your sex and employments status. Also, if you have made the decision that you are lower in ranking, you should make the innitial step and offer your card first.

3. When it is your turn to receive the business card, you should bow even lower and for longer. Same as when handing it over, you receive the business card with both hands and say “Hajimemashite”, which means “Nice to meet you”.

4. Next you are expected to spend some time looking at the card. Try to remember the name of the giver in connection with his face. This is the best time to do this and he will probably remember you.

5. And finally: Treat the business card that you have been given as a piece of art. Do not write on it and store it safely in your bespoke business card holder. “Wakarimasuka?”

But on a lighter note, even the Japanese themselves see the funny side of this strict set of rules as this bit of Rakugo comedy shows:

“Sayonara!” Hope you found this post instructive!