Japanese Bowing and Business Card Etiquette

Bowing in Japan

Bowing is a significant cultural gesture in Japan, used in various situations.

Types of Bowing

1. Eishaku (会釈)
   • Used for greeting or apologizing.
   • Bow angle: Approximately 15 degrees.
2. Keirei (敬礼)
   • Known as a salute, used in polite contexts like business.
   • Bow angle: Approximately 30 degrees.
3. Saikeirei (再敬礼)
   • Most polite bow for deep appreciation or apology.
   • Bow angle: Approximately 45 degrees.

Situations to Bow

• Meeting someone for the first time.
• Greeting a neighbor.
• Expressing thanks when someone holds an elevator door.
• Apologizing for bumping into someone.
• At job interviews or auditions.
• At receptions or farewells.
• Apologizing at work.
• Thanking an audience after a show.

Business Card Etiquette in Japan

Exchanging business cards is crucial for making a good impression in Japan.

Important Terms

• 名刺 (Meishi): Business card
• 名刺入れ (Meishi-ire): Business card holder

When to Exchange

• Exchange business cards at the beginning of a meeting.
• Typically done while standing.

How to Exchange Cards

1. Hold the card with both hands, ensuring it faces the recipient.
2. Provide a brief self-introduction with your company name and your name.
3. Slightly bow and exchange cards simultaneously.
4. Use two hands to accept a business card.
5. Place the card on your card wallet after receiving, do not put it away immediately.

Simultaneous Exchange (同時交換)

• Use the right hand to give your card and the left to receive.

Example Phrases

• "こんにちは、イノベーティブランゲージのリサと申します。よろしくお願いします。"
• "母母コーポレーションのユウキと申します。"

Keywords and Phrases

• 名刺 (Business card)
• 名刺入れ (Business card holder)
• 同時交換 (Simultaneous exchange)
• 会社名 (Company name)

Learn more about Japanese gestures and body language through additional resources.