Complete Guide to Business Cards in Japan

“In the Japanese business world, exchanging business cards is no joke and is a very important manner that you most definitely should know”
Exchanging business cards in Japan tend to be brought up as a kind of joke, how we must use both hands and handle the cards with “too” much care. I’ve made videos myself saying that the culture is outdated, or laughing at some jokes made by famous influencers.
However, in the business world in Japan, it really is no joke and is a very important manner that you must know in order to have a decent relationship with your clients. If you don't prepare business cards or do not know the proper way to exchange them, you might give the other person a bad first impression.
So today, as a man who has worked in 3 Japanese companies before and is now running my own, I will explain the 4 basic rules of business cards, as well as ways of exchanging them in 3 different situations.
At the end of the video, I will also talk about how to respond to emergency situations regarding business cards, and advice on how to take care of cards that you have received. By watching this video you will understand everything you need to know about exchanging business cards, so it is especially recommended to those who are hoping to work or start their own business in Japan someday.
●Business card applications "Wantedly People"
people.wantedly.com/en
●Business card applications "Eight"
8card.net/
[Time codes]
0:00 Let's START!
2:12 The 4 basic rules of business cards
6:04 How to exchange business cards
8:54 The 3 tips on how to respond to emergencies
11:03 How to take care of business cards
13:43 Today's conclusion
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#businesscard #japanesebusinesscardexchange #businesscardholder #businesscardcases #businesscardtutorial

[@Bkwrm88]

"By the way, for left-handed people it might seem a little unfair" Literally everything else is designed with right-handed folks in mind, so I don't think it really phases us anymore.

[@philipmccrackeniii4575]

But Japan does have a big left handed culture in my experience.

[@bigbrowntau]

Yeah, we're used to it. From iaido to calligraphy, you get used to doing everything right-handed. It's a pleasant surprise if you can find allowances anywhere for left-handedness. For instance, after years of iaido, I don't think I could draw a katana left handed!

[@dkamouflage]

It hurts because it's true. And it's funny because it hurts.

[@philipmccrackeniii4575]

@@bigbrowntau Kendo forced me to be more left handed.

[@bigbrowntau]

@@philipmccrackeniii4575 Interesting...One thing I noticed with kendo is the lefties weren't using too much right hand. I had a thousand problems with kendo, but too much right hand was never one of them.

[@JuLiusAviL11]

Artist watching from Texas. Just had my first business cards made. Might not be in Japan but, I know which card holders to buy now! Thanks Shogo

[@IKEMENOsakaman]

When I started my Shakaijin journey, I didn't know that we were supposed to place the other person's meishi on the table, facing us. I just exchanged our meishi, then put it in my wallet. I feel so guilty now seeing this video 😂😂😂

[@the_hiroman]

Not only when doing work, but also when traveling for leisure, having business cards is really helpful. It can make a difference on how they treat you, especially at high end restaurants, hotels, and ryokan.

[@Akira-jd2zr]

So many rules for something so simple...

[@wandarkaf]

Yup

[@Kernviter]

I dont live in japan and I dont plan to any time soon, but I still binge watch this guy's vids

[@martag029]

So many rules and nuances, almost like a kind of dance or duel in politeness. Very informative video!

[@Halfdanr_H]

If any Japanese person I meet wishes to present to me Yu-Gi-Oh cards instead of business cards, I think we’ll be friends for life 😁

[@epicsage16]

I automatically hit the “Like” button every time I watch one of your videos so I wish I could “double-like” this one for the Yu-Gi-Oh! reference lol

[@penguinyayone5504]

Is the card at 13:14 your official business card? I think it looks nice. While I might not go to Japan on work-related reasons (never say never though), I think it's useful that you do let us know about the chaotic card jungle and what people need to do to fit in Japanese work culture.

[@invertedcolors9881]

Thank you so much for this!! I’ve been wondering about this for a very long time

[@philipmccrackeniii4575]

I needed this 30 years ago when I lived there.

[@ikasdu64]

This was a very interesting video. I will definitely keep it in my KZbin Playlist to review it

[@pabloalcantara4295]

Very useful video! Thank you!

[@JayRev_Music]

Thank you Shogo! You are such a help all the time!

[@KatrinaLeFaye]

Thank you for your video, especially the left handed answer to the question I was to ask.

[@philipmccrackeniii4575]

I get as far as Shitsure ... I still lack the high-level formal Japanese. - I actually used the business files to store the collectable phone cards.

[@rolandgdean]

OmG! Love all the finer points of this important protocol. Thanks again Shogo Sensei! /deep bow

[@marlengil]

I loved this video 😊

[@marlengil]

I was thinking about the designs for the business cards in Japan, like if they used to add the kamon on the designs? Or if they uses varieties of colors? They have information in both sides of the card? I hope you could make a video covering the designs and rules to follow in this topic too 😃

[@Alaskan-Armadillo]

I definitely like how there is an expectation that the person receiving your card says your name out loud and asks a couple questions about you and the company that you work for. I do find though that some of the rules are very excessive and tedious and only lead to superiors feeling entitled.

[@rainangel159]

The digital Version looks cool. I just had mine made cause I sell art supplies (I'm a complete noob in business). I just have to hand some out but not in a way that I just give stuff away. I dislike the fact that many just get thrown out😢 Like the fact that Japanese culture shows respect in regards to business cards 👍 I will be making my own homemade card binder now😄

[@kys0ul_l3ss82]

Yo, thanks for the information!

[@rafaelkogafotografia1911]

I would like to see a video of you talking about the challenges of a japanese guy living in China

[@SammyB2618]

Years ago, I was in New York City working in a store and I found a wallet that belonged to an important Japanese person (I say important because he was a Vice President of a bank, I believe). I called the number I found in the wallet, his secretary answered and put me through. I told him I found the wallet and he can pick it up here. He was so thankful, and then he reached for what I thought was his wallet, I told I cannot accept a reward, but he was reaching for a thick card case and he gave me his business card just as you described, with both hands and a slight bow. I have to admit it made me feel very important and I knew he was grateful.

[@mr.t5610]

Hillarious ! I would screw up BIG TIME in a "change business-cards situation" 🤣🤣🤣.

[@afdgbdfbdfbdf]

After you exchange business cards with your opponents, do you challenge them to a sword fight? Love you Shogo san! I love how much effort you put in your videos to share every single aspect/detail in an informative and kind way!

[@WhoThisMonkey]

That floor is beautiful! I hope one day, I can own a property where I can put down such a floor.

[@thesmartbudgetchannel2940]

👍proper etiquette. 🥋🙏

[@riton349]

JP invented a Business Card App is the best thing I've learned today.

[@aryansengupta6674]

Greetings, Shogo San. Love your videos. I always had this burning question regarding how do Japanese view Indians. Arigatou in advanced if you ever make a video or address my question.

[@rob92026]

What is the proper way to pick up (collect) the cards after you have placed them on the table? Do you collect them from right to left making sure that all our faced up and that the “superior” is on top before placing it in your card case?

[@mujtabakamran8887]

I was wondering if you could make a video on the Japanese chess game “shogi”.

[@sad_rasta]

Hey first of all I love your videos they are so good and interesting i love Japanese culture but my question is do you know the Movie rurouni kenshin it is about battousai (himura kenshin) I would love to see a Review to that movie and if there is something real about it or not!

[@realjoecracker]

You should talk about the “window seat” the position for executives that perform poorly. I know Game Boy inventor Gunpei Yokoi was given one when the Virtual Boy failed. You could give us any thoughts of Gunpei Yokoi in the video if you have any if you do.

[@LetsaskShogo]

I’ve made videos myself saying that the culture of exchanging business cards is outdated, but it unfortunately is still considered one of the basic business skills in Japan… I hope this video will be useful for those who hope to find a job or start a business in Japan someday! ・ In this channel, you can take a closer look at Japanese traditional culture, tips upon traveling to Kyoto, and social problems in Japan. So learners and lovers of Japanese language and culture, be sure to subscribe to enjoy more content! Please check out the description box for more videos recommended for you! ▼Join our Membership▼ kzbin.info/door/n7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVwjoin ●Membership benefits -Limited behind-the-scene videos kzbin.info/aero/UUMOn7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVw -Weekly live stream -Priority reply to comments Every single yen we earn from this membership, we will be donating to groups of people who are fighting to solve social problems in Japan, the Japanese schools where foreign students can study, or use it to spread the works of people working with traditional culture in Japan to preserve the arts they are doing. ▼Sub channel “Shogo’s Podcast”▼ kzbin.info/door/ZAe1VayWxp5NLO4Net78DA The perfect channel to learn about Japanese culture and history in your spare time, during your walk to school or work, and when you are cooking or doing house chores. Not only will I be covering the topics in this main channel, but also some topics that you will only be able to enjoy in the sub-channel, like answering questions I receive, and my opinions towards some of the comments. ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠️I do not use e-mail） Thank you again very much for watching!

[@noisehippo1561]

The science of business card exchanging

[@mynameischess230]

This reminds me of the "Business Hugs" sketch from Tim and Eric

[@againwithadifferentname4880]

I have a small favour that I want to ask. Can you tell me what type of sword Ichigo Kurosaki's Bankai sword is? Is it a nodachi?

[@thomasrobson6370]

business card is the soul; so the "business card" is the modern day katana 😁

[@Meanness_Scar]

You said about how important it is to hand/receive the cards with both hands. What can we do if one hand is not working or someone doesn't have one hand? And what if both hands are not working or missing? I'm sorry. I have troubles with straightening the left hand and I'm small so my left hand may be not long enough to use both hands. So either I would use both but card would be just almost next to the chest or I would have to use only right hand to hand the card or take it from other person, to just reach the card properly... I'm sorry.

[@bitfreakazoid]

I'm curious on what situations would a business card exchange even happen. I doubt you would just be handing them to strangers while walking around.

[@DavidCruickshank]

Is there a proper way to dispose of cards that are no longer of use, for example a fired employee or a defunct company?

[@michellestephenson1680]

If I am a traveler, is it appropriate to have business cards made up in case I meet someone on a trip in Japan? If so, what information is appropriate on it? My normal job title, or simply “traveler” or “tourist”?

[@outtabubblegum7034]

- What if you accidentally drop the other person's card? - Then you can SEPPUKU yourself!!

[@ruvinwolf]

I've got a question that's been bothering me for awhile: why is it that in anime and movies that when you see characters practicing kendo or kenjutsu, it's mostly just the overhead strike over and over?

[@statingfakts2156]

Do you think it'd be better to have two holders? One dor your own cards and one for the other people's cards

[@60frederick]

If you put the business cards in the back pocket it is like sitting on the other person's face. What about the using the QR code on the back side for more information? Thank you, Shogo, for sharing your very useful video with us.

[@AKRex]

Japan basically turned something so easy and straightforward into a science XD

[@j.j.8864]

We are to think of the card as a piece of the person... how do you feel about old cards after you've changed jobs?

[@anarchist_parable]

It'd be easier to navigate all of the business card rules if there weren't so many rules for everything else. I would love to visit Japan but can't handle the constant judgement 😅

[@gamingapocalypse4234]

Ah yes,being early on a vid that have Katana as its background

[@charles2703]

So the Rolodex never caught on in Japan?

[@qg786]

If I lived in Japan, I'd get a leather wallet and use gold stitching on the seams, encrust the surface with diamonds and jewels so that I can one up and assert my dominance over my Boss and the CEO! 😡 JK. 😂

[@alishaanimations3058]

I only know a little about this and how to hand them from Ace Attorney XD

[@lazyboyterry]

That's bone. And the lettering is something called Silian Grail

[@the_allucinator]

Imagine businessmen furiously disinfecting their cards. I would expect a crazy technology for that.

[@MetalCronzeXIII]

Why is the video not HD?

[@macallanvintage]

Its actually all about SUPERIORITY, EGO and projecting a respectable image. Thats the reason behind the slow demise of most large Japanese companies, where “level”/superiority is insanely important and used to control, influence, and subjugate others of lower positions. The “respect” is actually FEAR, like a villager talking to a govt official during feudal times or a peasant talking to a samurai warrior. Very similar culture in South Korea.

[@justmeowth9697]

I don't know why my gene decided, I'm gonna be left handed...

[@thegreatarchive-a8801]

Let's see Paul Allen's card

[@aliciasschorra1306]

It really sound like a waste of paper and a unnessery old costum when there are already much better advance technology way of doing this but this is mine opiniom

[@LetsaskShogo]

Name cards are useful for remembering people’s names and their titles! When you want to contact them again, it comes in handy✨ But you surely don’t need all the strict manners and paper, we should be able to do them more casually using the applications… that’s my opinion 😊

[@UKKOPOSH]

Eww who uses business cards in 2021 that's old

[@HCDVelcra]

Shogo, now I have to tell you, that leather cases can NEVER be the best! That might look like that, but I rather fall in disgrace with a non leather case, than being guilty of supporting all the animal torturing worldwide for exactly those products people feel to must have!!!!!