2006-06-28 16:12:48 · 11 answers · asked by Rocko 3 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
♡As a sign of respect. They also bow slightly while doing it. I have lived in Japan for almost 9 years and my hubby taught me to do the same thing! Since I'm American, my card has an English side and a Japanese side. (I actually use 3 different cards for different meetings.) I was told to always give my 'meishi' with the Japanese side UP as a sign of respect, as well. Giving your 'meishi' with one hand is considered rude. ～As everyone else said, gift cards, money in envelopes and other things are also presented this way.
You should receive other people's business cards the same way: with both hands, bowing slightly.
Study the other person's card for while, making a mental note of their name, and then put it away in a card holder. If there are a number of members present in your meeting, you can lay all the cards out on the table in front of you and leave them there until the end of the meeting. It will help you keep track of who's who and it's better than having to dig the card out every time you address the person.
～Interesting, huh? I even have a meishi album where I have to 'respectively' keep all the meishi I have received for reference. It's an important part of the Japanese business world. Hope this helps!♡
2006-06-28 20:54:25 · answer #1 · answered by C 7 · 7⤊ 1⤋
The Japanese businessmen carry what is called meishi, their business cards, in special containers. On that card will be the name of the organization you work for, your own name and the address of the organization. That type of information helps establish rank and will influence how one person will treat the other. They use two hands to show respect to the receiver.
2006-06-28 23:18:54 · answer #2 · answered by James 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a cultural thing, handing over a business card is a very formal gesture. It is also expected for the recipient of the card to read it carefully and not just give it a glance before shoving it in a pocket.
2006-06-28 23:17:05 · answer #3 · answered by blangga 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The same way you guys would say, "You're welcome" when someone thanks you. It's customary for Asians not just the Japanese to hand out cards/ cash with both hands.
It's more personable, respectful that way at least in business which means they look forward to future business relations with you.
The best way to respond in kind is to receive their cards with both hands as well while bowing your head & thanking them in Japanese.
2006-06-29 01:17:55 · answer #4 · answered by ViRg() 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean? They hand a greeting card to someone with both hands? So what? That doesn't even sound wierd. Why would you even notice that to begin with?
2006-06-28 23:19:43 · answer #5 · answered by ~∂Їβ~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a sign of respect.. they considered it rude to gif it wif one hand... n besides, whenever u r faced wif tis kind of situation, u cant help it but receive the card...
2006-06-28 23:17:19 · answer #6 · answered by dada 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. That's right.
Someone decide the rule in the past, the way to give cards...and ppl follows...*sigh*...
2006-06-29 00:12:41 · answer #7 · answered by Joriental 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not only cards that they give with both hands,,
they would give you hot towels, tea while serving, certificates, clothings, etc etc with both hands.
it is showing respect and they handed it carefully.
2006-06-29 00:20:27 · answer #8 · answered by Ny 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to write his/her appearance on his/her meishi to remember which meishi corresponds to who. For instance, fat for a fat person, glasses for a person wearing glasses and bald for a bald person.
If you are good at drawing pictures, I think it's better to draw his/her likeness.
2006-06-29 07:49:12 · answer #9 · answered by Black Dog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's considered polite!
2006-06-29 02:52:26 · answer #10 · answered by sweete_017 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋