💼 Business
The Japanese business environment is characterized by its high degree of standardization, strict hierarchy, and extreme emphasis on form. Etiquette here is not just a display of professionalism, but a core mechanism for building trust and assessing the reliability of partners.
The Ritual of Business Card Exchange
Stand Up: Must stand up to exchange cards.
Prepare Card Holder: Business cards must be kept in a professional card holder.
Present with Both Hands: Hold the card by its top edge with both hands, facing the recipient.
Self-Introduction: Introduce your company, department, and name clearly while presenting the card.
Receive with Both Hands: Receive the other person's card with both hands, above your own card holder.
Lower Rank Presents First: The visitor or person of lower rank should present their card first.
Read Carefully: Must take a few seconds to read the received card carefully.
Place on Table During Meeting: Arrange received cards on the table in front of you according to seating order.
No Writing on Card: Never write on someone's business card in front of them.
Store Properly: After the meeting, carefully place the cards in your card holder.