Most people know to expect different cultures with different etiquette when they travel. What some traveling professionals don’t consider is how those different cultures can affect business practices, such as exchanging business cards. For example, business card culture in Japan is different than business card culture in America. As an American professional in Asia, you must navigate these differences to maintain positive business relationships.
Business Card Design Tips
While business cards are universal, you will need to put more thought into designing ones for your trip to Japan. Your design should take Japanese business culture and general culture into consideration.
Double-Sided
It’s respectful to have one side of the card printed in English and the other printed in Japanese. If your current card is blank on one side, you’ll simply need to translate the information to complete the Japanese side of the card. However, if your current English-only card takes up both sides, you may need to remove or rearrange some information in order to accommodate both languages.
Shape
Additionally, you should order your cards in square or rectangular shapes. Business card holders are popular in Japan, and a special circular card may not fit. Consider a leaf shape, rounded edges, or die-cut details to give your card a standardized yet unique look.
Color
Japanese culture features four pure primary colors: white, black, red, and blue. White represents purity, truth, humility, and grief. Black represents formality and mourning. Red represents authority, joy, sacrifice, strength, and happiness. Blue represents nature, calmness, stability, and security. Other colors have meaning as well. For example, green represents luck, youth, eternity, and vitality, while purple represents royalty. Design your cards with this symbolism in mind.
Carrying Business Cards in Japan
As we mentioned above, business card holders are popular and expected in Japan. Japanese professionals do not put business cards in their wallets or pockets and will probably feel offended if you attempt to do so. Invest in a good business card holder before or at the beginning of your trip. You can buy two, one for your own business cards and one for those you receive from others. Always carry your business card with you to bridge cultural divides and meet expectations. In Japan, it’s common to give someone a business card at the beginning of both formal and informal meetings.
Exchange Etiquette
Once you’re in Japan, with your business cards secure in a holder, you can start exchanging them with other people. Business card exchanges begin with the most senior individual, so if you’re traveling with your boss, they will go first. When your turn comes, have your business card ready on top of your holder. Make sure the card is facing the recipient and your fingers do not cover anything important. Bow slightly and introduce yourself while presenting your card.
Receive a card with both hands and a slight bow as well. Take the time to look at the card and confirm the giver’s name before placing it in your card holder.
As an American traveling to Japan for business, you must learn to adjust to different cultural expectations and etiquette. Navigating business card culture in Japan can feel overwhelming, but with the right card and attitude, you can navigate this social norm correctly.
