When you receive a business card in Japan, it is better not to put it straight into your pocket or bag. First, take a moment to look at it.
Check the company name, the person’s name, and their title. If you are not sure how to pronounce the name, it is perfectly acceptable to ask. Japanese names can be difficult to read from the kanji alone.
If a meeting begins immediately after the exchange, it is common to keep the business card on the table rather than putting it away right away.
This is not just a matter of etiquette. It is also practical. You can glance at the card during the conversation to confirm the person’s name or position.
If you exchange cards with several people at once, you may place them on the table in an order that matches where each person is sitting. This can help you remember who is who, especially when meeting several people for the first time.
The card itself is also usually handled with some care. Folding it, placing objects on top of it, or casually stuffing it into a pocket is best avoided.
That said, putting a card away quickly does not automatically mean that everyone will see it as a serious insult. Reactions depend on the person and the situation.
Even so, in Japanese business settings, a natural sequence is to check the card, keep it within sight during the meeting, and put it into your business card holder when the meeting is over.
There are many detailed rules about business-card etiquette in Japan, but you do not need to memorize every small point.
The important thing is not to treat the card like an insignificant scrap of paper. It carries the other person’s name, company, and position.
Handling the card with a little care is a small way of showing that you are also treating the person with care and respect.
References
- Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, business etiquette training materials
