Remember that in Japan people are known by their last name and not the first one. You should never refer to anybody by his or her first name, except you are friends and, of course, not in public, where it will be very offensive.

When meeting somebody it is polite to bow. As a rule, a 30 degree bow is enough, except the situations where your guest is of a high rank; if so, a lower bow is appropriate.

Putting Your Cards on the Table
When the meishi-exchanging ceremony has been finished, it is high time for the business card-placement ceremony to start. For this, the Japanese are considered to be split into two groups.

The first camp thinks that the business cards should be drawn up in accordance with the position. The people of the highest positions come first and so on along the line.

The other group thinks that meishi should be lined up on the table with the individual sitting opposite to assist in learning names and people.

It is very essential to speak to everybody at a business conference by name and never say “you”.

Besides, there are several rules for taking meishi away. When the meeting is over, the business cards are carefully put into the case. Bear in mind that you should never write any notes on a meishi in the person’s presence.

For foreigner it may be rather complicated but to the Japanese it is a usual succession of actions, although, they always remember its importance. A personnel’s behavior directly influences the company. Slapdash treating of one’s own or somebody else’s meishi makes not only a negative introductory impression, but may, in fact, have a harmful consequences for the business. The receiver can think that the company can’t train or manage the staff in a due way.