Meishi (“business cards”) are a staple for many Japanese people, even those who are not in any particular business. They are an easy way to exchange information and are convenient to carry. With new computer programs that do all the work for you, designing unique and memorable meishi is becoming a snap.

Essential Information

Designing a business card that represents you or your company in a straightforward and positive manner can pose some challenges. Essential information must be easily and clearly recognized, or the card will not serve its purpose.

If you plan to be living in Japan for a while, you might consider getting cards printed up with English on one side and Japanese on the back. Having your name and address in Japanese will make future negotiations easier for your Japanese counterparts. You may find that people who work in companies or other offices that have a lot of contact with foreigners will also have bilingual business cards. Consider your own feelings of relief when you receive a card with the person's name and other information in English.

Who Goes First

Whoever is hosting the meeting should offer his or her card first and present it with the side that has the native language version of the recipient. It can be given over with one hand, but should not be upside down from the recipient's standpoint. Stand first, then bow before saying Yoroshiku onegai shimasu and handing over your meishi.

If you are receiving the card, use two hands and bow when accepting. Treat the card as if it were a newborn baby or your favorite candy bar. Look it over carefully before putting it in your chest pocket. Never put it in your back pocket and then sit on it; that is very insulting to the person who gave it to you! Japanese consider meishi as part of themselves and handle them with utmost care and respect. Putting the card in your wallet is acceptable, but pressing it into your notebook or memo pad is also fine.

Tips for Keeping Names with Faces

Receiving several cards at once can be overwhelming; more so if the names are in a language that you are still in the process of mastering. In a country where eye and hair color tend to be similar (if not identical), distinctive characteristics at first glance may be limited to noticing who wears glasses, sports a colorful necktie, or has a unique hairstyle. Utilizing meishi to remember which name goes with which face is a wise tactic.

Lining up the cards on the table in the same order as people are sitting is one option. It is not the most polite act, but acceptable in extreme situations. Another idea is to insert the cards in your front shirt pocket, keeping them in the same order as they were presented. Then, you can discreetly pull out each card and double-check them before people by name.