名刺 (meishi) in AP Japanese Language and Culture

Definition

名刺とは、ビジネスの場で自己紹介のために使われるカードで、氏名・会社名・役職・連絡先などが記載されています。日本では名刺の交換に独自の作法があり、両手で渡し、受け取った名刺はすぐにしまわずに丁寧に扱うことが求められます。名刺交換の作法は、日本のビジネス社会における人間関係の形式性を象徴しています。

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 名刺は両手で相手に向けて差し出し、受け取る際も両手で受け取るのが基本的なマナーである。
2. 受け取った名刺は会議中はテーブルの上に丁寧に置き、会議後は名刺入れに大切にしまうのが礼儀とされる。
3. 名刺に書き込んだり折り曲げたりすることは相手への無礼とみなされる。
4. 初対面のビジネスの場では、名刺交換が自己紹介の最初のステップとなり、その後の関係構築の出発点となる。
5. デジタル化が進む現代でも、対面のビジネス場面では紙の名刺が依然として重要な役割を果たしている。

Review Questions

• What do the rules surrounding meishi exchange reveal about Japanese business culture and values?
  • The strict etiquette around meishi exchange—presenting and receiving with both hands, treating the card with care, not writing on it—reflects the Japanese value of showing respect for the other person and the relationship being established. The card represents the person and their company, so handling it carelessly would be seen as disrespecting them.
• How does meishi exchange function as a social practice that initiates and maintains relationships in Japan?
  • Meishi exchange is typically the first step in a formal business introduction, establishing who each person is within their professional hierarchy. By exchanging cards, both parties acknowledge each other's roles and begin a relationship that is expected to be maintained over time through continued respectful interaction.
• How might meishi appear as a topic on the AP Japanese exam, and what cultural knowledge would help a student respond effectively?
  • Meishi might appear in a reading passage about business customs or in a presentational prompt asking students to explain Japanese professional relationship practices. A strong response would describe the two-handed exchange, the careful treatment of received cards, and connect these behaviors to broader Japanese values of respect, formality, and the importance of social relationships.