Business Card Exchange in Japan

Have you ever watched one of those video guides on how to properly exchange business cards in Japan?

Not exactly beginner-friendly, right?

Even after five years of working in Japan, I still sometimes wonder if I’ve done everything right when handing over my card.
(There was a time I used to practice with my wife the night before external meetings—bow, hold with both hands, recite the name, make eye contact, repeat.)

This week, I was introduced to more than a dozen new people on the customer side.

As I bowed, exchanged cards, and carefully read out each name while making proper eye contact—

I noticed something: one of the new customer reps had hands that were visibly trembling.

And in that moment, I felt a strange kind of connection.

Internally, I wanted to say:

“You’re doing great. Don’t worry.”
Instead, I just looked him in the eye and gave a small, reassuring smile.

Later, I thought—maybe when my hands were shaking ,

someone across from me smiled the same way.

It’s these small, quiet exchanges that stay with me.
The business card is just paper. But the connection? That’s the real value.