📇 Meishi — Business Card Exchange
Prepare Your Cards
Have cards printed in English on one side, Japanese on the other. Keep them in a card holder — never in your wallet or pocket.
Present With Both Hands
Offer your card with both hands, Japanese side facing the recipient, with a slight bow. Say your name and company clearly.
Receive With Both Hands
Accept the other person's card with both hands. Take a moment to study it respectfully before setting it carefully on the table in front of you.
Never Write on Cards
Writing on a business card is considered highly disrespectful — it's equivalent to defacing the person themselves.
Store Carefully
After the meeting, store cards in a proper card holder. Never stuff them in a pocket, sit on them, or throw them away carelessly.
🤝 Meeting Manners
Punctuality is Essential
Being late is considered very disrespectful. Arrive 5-10 minutes early. If you're delayed, call ahead immediately.
Seating Hierarchy
The most senior person sits farthest from the door (kamiza). Wait to be directed to your seat rather than choosing freely.
Bowing Protocol
Bow when greeting. The depth depends on seniority — a slight bow (15°) for peers, deeper (30-45°) for seniors.
Silence is Acceptable
Silence during meetings is normal and not awkward. It signals thoughtful consideration rather than confusion or disagreement.
Avoid Direct Refusals
"That would be difficult" (muzukashii) means "no." Japanese business culture values indirect communication to preserve harmony.
Phones Away
Keep phones face-down or put away during meetings. Answer calls only in an emergency and step outside.
Traveling to Japan for business?
A business hotel near major stations keeps you close to meetings. Many offer early check-in and late checkout for business travelers.
Browse Business Hotels →🎁 Gift Giving in Business
The Art of Omiyage
Bringing gifts (omiyage) from your home country is a wonderful way to start a business relationship. Choose high-quality food items or regional specialties. Always wrap gifts beautifully — presentation matters as much as the gift itself in Japan.
Present with Both Hands
Always offer and receive gifts with both hands and a slight bow. This shows respect and sincerity.
Don't Open Immediately
Japanese custom is to set the gift aside and open it later — not in front of the giver. Don't be surprised if your gift isn't opened on the spot.
Avoid Numbers 4 and 9
The numbers 4 (shi) and 9 (ku) are associated with death and suffering in Japanese. Avoid giving sets of 4 or 9 items.
Avoid White Wrapping
White is associated with funerals in Japan. Use colourful or gold wrapping paper, and avoid plain white packaging for business gifts.
🍱 Business Dining
Pour for Others
Never pour your own drink. Always pour for those around you and wait for someone to pour yours in return.
Wait for Kanpai
Don't drink until everyone has a glass and someone leads the "Kanpai" (cheers) toast.
Let the Host Pay
The senior person or host typically pays. Offering to pay is polite, but don't insist — graciously accept if they decline.
Say Itadakimasu
Before the meal begins, follow the host's lead and say itadakimasu. After the meal, gochisousama deshita thanks the host for the food.
Phone Away at the Table
Keep your phone face-down or put it away during a business meal. Checking messages or taking calls at the table is considered disrespectful to your hosts.
Try Everything Served
In a business setting, making an effort to try all dishes — even unfamiliar ones — shows respect and builds rapport. You don't need to finish everything, but at least taste it.
