A Guide for How to Get Last-Minute Business Cards in Japanese
Helpful business tips for business travelers coming to Japan or those who are already in Japan in need of last minute help.
Arriving in Japan for a business trip only to realize you forgot to bring enough business cards? Don’t panic. While business cards (名刺 or meishi) are an important part of Japanese business culture, running out doesn’t have to derail your itinerary.
There are several ways to get business cards printed quickly in Japan. Here is a quick summary about getting last-minute Japanese business cards while you’re in Japan:
| Printing Services | Turnaround Time | English Support | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printshop GRAP | 10 minutes or less | ★★★ | Urgent printing |
| Accea Express | 3 hours | ★★★ | Easy access across Japan |
| Kinko's Japan | 3 hours | ★★★ | Business cards + Other materials |
| PrintMate | 1 hour | ☆☆☆ | Fast printing with a Japanese support |
| Hotel / Business Center | Varies | ★★☆ | Local assistance |
| TokudAw Driver Assistance | Varies | ★★★ | When you need additional assistance or have little time |
Why Business Cards Matter in Japan
Whether you are attending trade events or just in Japan for a business meeting, business cards are an important part of the first introduction between business professionals.
The exchange of business cards, known as 名刺交換 (meishi kōkan) and detailed below, is generally done at the beginning of a business meeting or introduction. A business card provides basic information such as your name, company, position, and contact details.
For international visitors, having cards with information in Japanese can also make introductions smoother and help Japanese contacts understand your name, company, and role.
What If You Run Out of Business Cards?
Running out of cards can feel stressful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with printing services in Japan. Fortunately, business card printing can often be arranged relatively quickly.
Your best option depends on how soon you need the cards, how many you need, and whether you already have a Japanese-language design prepared.
1. Use a Same-Day or Express Printing Service
If you need business cards within hours or by the following day, below are a few places that could accommodate:
GRAP is by far the quickest print shop that offers to print out your business card in 10 minutes or less. They also offer services in English, which may be convenient for international visitors.
Accea stores are pretty much available everywhere around Japan. Their express line will get your business card ready in 3 hours. They also offer services in English.
Kinko’s will also get your business card ready in 3 hours and they also offer services in English. Aside from business cards, Kinko’s can also print pamphlets, posters.
While PrintMate does not offer services in English, they can get your business card printed in 1 hour.
Many professional printing shops can print business cards from an existing digital file. Some services allow customers to submit their artwork online and collect the finished cards at a store.
For TokudAw’s Business Services or our Corporate Travel Services customers, our team can also help you with printing if you are caught in a meeting.
2. Ask Your Hotel or Business Center for Help
If you’re staying at a business hotel, the front desk or business center may be able to point you towards a nearby printing service.
Some hotels offer business services such as printing, copying, scanning, and document preparation. Even when they don't print business cards themselves, staff may know of a nearby print shop.
This can be especially useful if you are unfamiliar with the area and need cards quickly.
Ask your hotel before heading out to a print shop. They may be able to help you confirm opening hours, directions, or whether a service can accommodate a same-day request.
3. Visit a Print Shop Near Your Event Venue
If you're attending a trade show or conference, check for printing services near the venue.
Large business districts and areas around major convention centers often have printing companies catering to business customers. This can be a convenient option if you discover that you are short on cards shortly before an event.
What Information Should Be on a Japanese Business Card?
If you're creating a Japanese version of your business card at the last minute, keep the information clear and consistent with your existing branding.
A typical business card may include:
Name (氏名 / 名前)
Company name (会社名)
Job title (役職)
Department (部署)
Address (住所)
Telephone (電話番号)
Email (メールアドレス)
Website (ウェブサイト)
If your company already has an official Japanese name, use the company's established Japanese name rather than creating a new translation yourself.
For your personal name, you may also want to include furigana (which is your name written in the Japanese characters that are not kanji) or katakana (which is the set of characters for foreign words) or a phonetic guide if the pronunciation isn't obvious to Japanese readers. For how to write your name in Japanese, we recommend a quick Google Translate search. The results will include either furigana or katakana versions of your name.
For international business travelers, a bilingual business card can be a practical choice.
One side can contain your information in English, while the other side contains the Japanese version. This allows you to use the same card when meeting both international and Japanese contacts.
If you're creating cards specifically for the Japanese market, make sure the Japanese information has been checked carefully before printing. A small spelling or translation mistake can be surprisingly difficult to fix once hundreds of cards have been printed!
How to Prepare Your Business Card File
Having your design ready to go can make a last-minute printing request much easier.
Before contacting a printing company, prepare:
Your final business card design
The correct Japanese and English text
Your company logo
Contact information
Desired quantity
Preferred paper type, if applicable
Desired card size
Your preferred finishing options
It's also a good idea to keep the design in a commonly accepted digital format, such as a print-ready PDF, if the printer requests one.
Prepare your print-ready PDF in fonts that may be defined as “acceptable" by a company in their brand book, is that not all corporate fonts will have a Japanese character set.
The recommended families for the best appearance of both roman characters (the alphabet or romanji as the Japanese call it) and Japanese characters are:
Times New Roman
Helvetica
Bakersville
Futura
If you don't have a Japanese version prepared, you may need additional time for translation, proofreading, and design adjustments.
If you're attending a large exhibition or trade show, you may exchange cards with significantly more people than you would during a few scheduled meetings.
As a general rule, bring more than you think you'll need.
For a busy event, consider carrying a spare supply separately from the cards you're using throughout the day. This prevents you from discovering that your entire supply has disappeared halfway through an event.
Business Card Etiquette in Japan
When exchanging cards:
Present your card with the text facing the recipient.
Offer it with both hands when appropriate.
Receive the other person's card respectfully with both hands.
Take a moment to look at the card.
Avoid immediately putting the card away in a pocket or bag.
Think of it as a cherished gift. Hold on to it in a visible way for a bit of time, then later you can tuck it in your business card holder.
During a meeting, keep the card somewhere appropriate on the table if practical. Keep them on the table in front of you in the order of the highest ranking person in the room to the lowest if you know, or in the order in which everyone is seated.
The exact etiquette can vary depending on the situation and level of formality, so don't worry about memorizing every rule. The main idea is to treat the other person's business card and the introduction itself with respect.
FAQs
Can I get business cards printed on the same day in Japan?
Yes, some Japanese printing services offer same-day or express business card printing. Availability depends on the shop, quantity, design, and time you place the order, so confirm the turnaround time before ordering.
What should I do if I run out of business cards during a trade show?
Look for a nearby express printing service or ask your hotel, event organizer, or business center for recommendations. If you cannot get replacement cards in time, exchange contact details electronically and follow up afterward.
Where can I find a last minute business card holder?
Get to your nearest Lawson. They have a collaboration with Muji and are stocking metal business card holders. As business cards make the initial first impression, it is advised to invest in a luxury business card holder. Most high-end department stores and brands will sell business card holders in Japan.
Plan a Business Trip with TokudAw
TokudAw specializes in intuitive travel designed for all types of people, including businessmen and women alike. Travel is centered around you and private vehicles, with custom daily pacing that suits your needs. We focus on the details that matter: friendly transport, predictable transitions, and communication that works for you. With TokudAw, you are the one making decisions as we curate an experience that you will never forget.