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| Meishi Kokan |  The business card exchange or meishi kokan differs slightly from the western approach, in that it is a formal and standardized procedure. For Japanese, the angle of bowing and the proper way of holding the card on presentation are studied arts. New company employees must practice the "house style" at training sessions soon after they are hired. As a general rule, the person of lower status or younger person usually presents his/her meishi first. Though there are exceptions. In a buyer/seller relationship, for example, the seller always gives his card first, with the most senior members leading off, unless rank cannot be determined. Hand over your meishi with both hands, and then receive the meishi of the person you are meeting, also with both hands if possible as a show of respect. When the card is extended, it should be turned so the other person can read it as he/she accepts it. There will be a brief moment of silence while the person you are meeting studies your card. You, in turn, should study theirs. Pay particular attention to their rank within the group. You may use comments about the company logo, the person's rank or division, or the company itself as conversational ice-breakers. Never put meishi in a hip-pocket!
Nobody expect foreigners to know all the points involved, but you should be aware of some basic courtesies. Wherever you go, it is important to provide yourself with a large number of cards. You can’t appear at a meeting without a card as it is tantamount to refusing to shake hands at a Western business meeting. It is important to show respect when receiving another person's meishi. A small, quick bow will suffice to show it. It is considered impolite to use a damaged card.
The card can be typesetted vertically or horizontally. It points to whether the company is traditional or more liberal. More conservative Japanese companies have vertical cards.
So, a meishi that is clear, correct, impressive, makes only a good impression on business partners.
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