Meishi Culture

I also started my first day of work at the Company. I got my business cards (meishi) so I've become an effective member of society now (shakai-jin). Business cards are extremely important at any company, but particularly here in Japan. The business card is seen as an extension of yourself. Therefore, there are a few things to consider so as not to offend the card-holder. These can all be classified under business card exchange (meishi koukan).

The card will be turned to face the recipient so that it is aligned correctly to make it easily readable. You will never give/receive a meishi with your name upside-down from the recipient's point-of-view. In the case that both people are exchanging meishi at the same time, give your card with your left and accept the card with your right. The person going first depends on status. There is no guarantee that the senior individual will provide you with his card. You always want to confirm the name of the individual at the time since the kanji can be difficult.

The card should never be bent, folded, or dirtied in any way. This includes the common practice of flipping your card over and writing your contact information on it. This is a way of slighting the individual. If you soil the card, you are disrespecting the person himself. Writing on your own card shows that you do not respect yourself.

On the same note, do not put any meishi in a pocket without a business card holder (meishi-ire). This is also disrespectful since it could lead to the card's edges getting frayed. If you do not happen to have a meishi-ire, then wait until the person is well out of sight until you put it into a folder to protect it. Creating a little collection of meishi shows your business connections, so it needs to be kept clean for future reference.