Entering the Japanese market often comes with unexpected challenges. One of the most overlooked but critical details is the name card.
In Japan, a business card (name card) is more than just contact information. It represents your identity, your company, and your professionalism. Using the wrong format or approach can unintentionally create distance, even before the conversation begins.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from templates and sizes to etiquette—so you can build trust from your very first meeting.
Japanese Business Name Card Template
If you are preparing to do business in Japan, the first thing you will likely need is a proper name card template.
Below is a simple structure commonly used in Japan.
Simple Japanese Business Name Card Template
<Pattern A>
Template selected from Canva
<Pattern B>
Template selected from Canva
Front (Japanese side):
Company Name (会社名)
Job Title (役職)
Full Name (氏名)
Phone Number (電話番号)
Email Address
Company Address (住所)
Bilingual Business Name Card Template
For international businesses, a bilingual card is strongly recommended.
One side: Japanese (formal, primary) :
One side: English (supporting):
This format allows you to communicate clearly while showing respect for local expectations.
Standard Japanese Business Name Card Size & Layout
The standard name card size in Japan is: 91 mm × 55 mm.
This is slightly different from Western sizes, and using the correct dimensions helps your card fit neatly into Japanese card holders and cases.
Japanese vs Western Business Name Cards
There are a few key differences:
- Japanese cards often prioritize clarity and hierarchy over design
- Information is typically more structured
- Bilingual layouts are more common for international business
Rather than focusing on creativity, Japanese name cards focus on credibility and readability.
Why Do Business Name Cards Matter in Japan?
In many countries, name cards are optional, but it is a MUST in Japan. Exchanging name cards is one kind of ritual that you need to go through in the first interaction between two parties.
Exchanging name cards is like saying “Hello”. Thus, it helps to show your professionalism and will lay the foundation of trust.
Japanese Business Name Card Etiquette to Understand
Here are the steps to exchange name card etiquette:
- Stand up when exchanging cards
- Hold the card with both hands
- Present it with the text facing the recipient
- Receive the other person’s card with both hands
- Slightly bow while stating your name and company
- Take a moment to read it
- Keep them in your hands for a while, and ask some questions based on the name card
Hierarchy matters
In Japan, hierarchy plays an important role, and you would want to remember the following, especially if you are dealing with a traditional big Japanese company.
- Cards are exchanged starting from the most senior person
If you have two people on each side (you, your boss, their boss, and a subordinate), and your company is the visitor, you will exchange the card accordingly:
- Your boss and their boss
- Their boss and you
- Your boss and their subordinate
- You and their subordinate
The host, or those who have more power, should be prioritized in the name card exchange.
2. Position your card lower than another when exchanged if they are superior
It’s a manner to respect the superior, and so we cannot place our cards on top of the superior. When we exchange, we lower the card to show our appreciation. When it’s on the table, we should not put or cover anything on top of the name card, especially the superior.
3. Put the business name card on the left side, on top of your name card keeper
If you are sitting at the table, you should put the name card on the table. The most superior should be on top of the name card keeper. If you have a few name cards, place them in front of your name card keeper, from left to right, strongest to weakest in power.
A name card is considered like a face in Japan, so we should keep their face open to show that we respect them.
Asking for a Business Name Card in Japanese
If you would like to ask for a name card in Japanese, here are simple phrases you can use:
- 名刺を頂戴できますでしょうか？ (Meishi o choudai dekimasu deshou ka?)
- よろしければお名刺をいただけますか？ (Yoroshikereba omeishi o itadake masuka?)
One of the tips to look polite and appropriate is to give a pause before asking. When there’s a pause, it feels more courteous and makes them feel that you respect them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many of these are unintentional, but can leave a negative impression:
- Writing on the card in front of the person
- Handling it casually
Name cards are considered their face, and keeping and respecting their name card shows respect for their business.
However, also keep in mind that not all Japanese companies strictly follow the cultural norms. Large traditional companies usually care, but smaller start-up companies prefer to keep things casual. We recommend observing how they treat the name card.
Where to make a Japanese Business Name Card?
We recommend using the online services provided by a Japanese printing company/
When printing a Japanese name card, it’s important to think of the quality. The words need to be aligned with the paper, the font needs to be appropriate, and the material should be something commonly used. This can change how Japanese businesses look at your business.
You can probably print it more cheaply and conveniently in China or at your closest convenience store in Japan, but it’s safer to print it through a Japanese printing company if you are looking for trust.
Based on Rakusuru（ラクスル）, their name card printing costs 1,334 yen for 100 pieces and will be delivered in a couple of days.
Need Help Creating a Japanese Business Name Card?
You will probably need a Japanese designer, or at least a bilingual person who can read the website and place the order. TUTTI Insight is an agency that supports companies to enter the Japanese market.
We have a native Japanese speaker who can support your name card printing. Please contact us if you need some help with creating.
Create a Japanese Business Name Card to Earn Trust
A name card is a special item for Japanese businesses to trust you. Especially, they are anxious to speak with someone who doesn’t speak Japanese, so knowing the culture well helps them feel more open to you. I hope that you gain a great and trusted name card to bring to your meeting.