How did business cards in Japan become so important?

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Japan Rail Pass: If you plan to travel extensively within Japan, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass for cost-effective and convenient travel. Depending on the pass you acquire, you can travel quickly between major cities via bullet train (Shinkansen). If you are in Tokyo, it is worth organizing a trip to Mount Fuji using the Japan Rail Pass. The journey between Tokyo and Mount Fuji is long but includes culturally significant stops along the way, offering various hiking activities and attractions.


In summary
Business Travel to Japan can be incredibly fruitful but your success could depend on how well you prepare for your visit. It certainly pays to acquaint yourself with Japanese business etiquette and culture, if you are to appear professional and if you are to be trusted. Organise your travel and itinerary efficiently and ensure you travel with all the documentation you will need including a generous supply of business cards. Remember that perfect planning prevents poor performance, especially in Japan.

Establishing business relationships in any foreign country can be difficult. Every region boasts its own culture and practices. It is all too easy to make mistakes that could result in you appearing to be unprofessional or even rude.

This is particularly true in Japanese culture where relationships tend to be based on trust and rapport greece mobile database and where meticulous attention to detail is the norm. It is certainly worth acquainting yourself with Japanese business etiquette and practices alongside the language before approaching any companies in the country.


Japanese Business Card exchange, or " meishi koukan " (名刺交換), is a crucial aspect of professional interactions. It is a ritual that extends beyond merely sharing contact information; it embodies respect, hierarchy, and social etiquette, serving as a cornerstone of Japanese business culture.

The concept of name cards in Japan can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1868), a time marked by isolationist policies and strict social structures. During this era, personal and professional interactions were governed by rigid etiquette, and the exchange of name cards, known as "shuinjo," began to emerge among the samurai and merchant classes.


Shuinjo were more akin to letters of introduction or certificates, often containing elaborate calligraphy and seals. These documents were used to establish one's credentials and to facilitate introductions, particularly in situations where face-to-face business meetings were not possible. The use of such documents was a precursor to the modern business card, serving as an early means of conveying identity and social status.