Business Card (Meishi) Etiquette in Japan: A Foreigner's Guide (2025)
In Japan, exchanging business cards (名刺, meishi) is a formal ritual that carries real professional weight. Handling someone’s card carelessly is seen as disrespecting the person themselves. Why Meishi Matter In Japanese business culture, a business card isn’t just contact information — it represents the person and their company. The exchange is a formal introduction ceremony. Getting it right creates an immediately positive impression. Getting it wrong (writing on the card, stuffing it in your pocket) can seriously damage a business relationship from the start. ...