How do you give and receive a business card in Japan?

Learn the step-by-step way to exchange meishi in Japan, from holding the card correctly to placing it on the table, so your first meeting starts well.

Published October 20, 2026 at 9:15 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Present your card with both hands, facing the recipient so they can read it, and give a slight bow. Receive theirs with both hands, read it, say thank you, and place it on the table or in a card holder. Never write on it, fold it or put it in a back pocket. Formality varies by company, but careful handling is always appreciated.

What meishi are and why they matter

A business card in Japan is called a meishi, and the exchange of cards, meishi koukan, is one of the first steps in a business meeting. The card is treated as a representation of the person who gave it, so how you handle it signals respect for them. This is why the ritual looks more careful than a quick swap in many other countries.

An etiquette reference says that cards are exchanged at the start of a meeting. For visitors, this might happen at a business meeting, a conference, a trade event or a formal introduction. Not every setting is strict, and relaxed start-ups or casual meetings may be easier, but learning the basic steps helps you feel confident in any case.

Giving your card step by step

Prepare before the meeting. Bring plenty of cards, keep them in a clean case, and have the case in a pocket or bag that is easy to reach. When the time comes, stand, hold the card with both hands, and turn it so that the text faces the recipient. One reference describes holding it by the top corners, with the card face up, so the recipient can read it.

Offer the card with a slight bow and say your name and company. Do not cover the name or other information with your fingers, because placing fingers over the text is considered rude. Never toss a card across the table or hold it out with one hand. If you are meeting more than one person, start with the most senior person, and give each person a card in turn.

Receiving a card politely

Accept the card with both hands. One source describes taking it by the bottom corners. Look at the card briefly, read the name and title, and show that you have noticed it. It is acceptable to ask how to pronounce a name at this moment. A common phrase when receiving a card is "choudai itashimasu," which can be translated as a polite way of saying you gratefully receive it, followed by a bow.

Next, place the card carefully. During the meeting, many people lay the cards on the table in front of them, or on top of their card holder, arranged to match where each person is seated. If you receive several, the card of the highest-ranking person can go on top of the case, with the others beside it. When the meeting ends, put the cards away neatly in the holder.

What to do and not to do with the card

There are several well-known don'ts. Do not write on a card in front of the giver, do not put it in your pocket, and do not fold it. Putting a card in a back pocket or folding it in half is widely considered disrespectful. Do not fiddle with it or use it as a notepad during the meeting. Keep it face up and visible until the meeting is over.

A good habit is to keep a smart case for both your cards and the ones you receive. Worn or bent cards can look careless, so a clean case that holds a few spare cards helps. After the meeting, you can write notes on the card in private, for example the date and topic, to help you remember who you met.

Costs, timing and preparing your cards

Printing cards is inexpensive in most places, and you can have them made at a print shop before your trip or in Japan. Prices and turnaround times vary, so check with the printer. If you are traveling for business, bring more cards than you expect to use, since meetings can include several attendees from the other company.

Consider printing a bilingual card, with English on one side and Japanese on the other, if your counterparts are Japanese speakers. Include your name, company, role and contact details. Check the spelling of company names and titles, and avoid decorative designs that make text hard to read. If you cannot get Japanese printed, an English-only card is still widely accepted in international settings.

Who it suits and special cases

Business travelers, conference visitors, freelancers and anyone meeting Japanese colleagues will benefit from learning the ritual. Status plays a role. One reference notes that a lower-ranked person offers their card below the higher-ranked person's card, which shows deference. If you are unsure who is most senior, ask a colleague or a host before the meeting.

Special cases include group meetings, where you will receive many cards in a row, and informal events, where cards may be exchanged more casually. If you run out of cards, apologize politely, explain that you are out, and offer to send contact details later. Students, job seekers and retirees may carry personal cards, which are accepted in many settings. If you do not have one, do not worry; a polite introduction works.

One common mistake is treating the card casually, for example by tucking it in a pocket immediately. Another is giving or taking it with one hand, or writing on it while the other person is present. People also sometimes hand over a card without looking at the recipient, or do not take a moment to read the name. These are small things, but they make a strong impression in Japan.

Planning tips and practical next steps

Before your trip, order cards, buy a clean case and practice the steps a few times. Bring more than you think you need. At the meeting, wait until introductions begin, exchange cards at the start, and place any cards you receive in front of you. This guide shares general information about business etiquette, and company customs can differ.

After the meeting, store the cards neatly, and send a short thank-you message that mentions something from your conversation. If you are meeting contacts at a conference, jot a note on the back of the card privately, away from the giver. Over time, you will find the process feels natural, and the extra care you show will be noticed and appreciated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need Japanese on your business card?

Not necessarily. Many international meetings accept English-only cards. A bilingual card, with Japanese on the reverse, is a thoughtful touch if you are meeting Japanese-speaking contacts. Make sure your name, company, role and contact details are clear and spelled correctly.

What should you do with a business card during a meeting?

Place it on the table in front of you or on top of your card holder, where you can see the name. If you receive several, arrange them to match the seating. Keep them out until the meeting ends, then put them away carefully.

What if you run out of business cards in Japan?

Apologize politely, explain that you have none left, and offer to send your details later by email. Do not write your details on scrap paper and pass it over as if it were a card. A brief, sincere explanation is generally understood.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Building a Life in Japan is available on Amazon.

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