How to Print Business Cards in Japan: A Guide for Foreigners

Walk into any Japanese business meeting without a meishi (business card) and you'll feel the silence. In Japan, the card isn't optional — it is the introduction. For foreigners arriving in Tokyo, Osaka or Fukuoka, getting bilingual cards printed correctly is one of the highest-leverage things you can do in your first week.

Why Japanese business cards matter so much

Meishi exchange is a small ceremony: cards are received with two hands, read carefully (don't pocket it instantly), and placed on the table during the meeting. The card is treated as an extension of the person — wrinkled, dirty, or hastily handed cards send a strong negative signal. Pristine, considered cards do the opposite.

Japan's unique card size: 91×55mm

Almost everywhere else uses 89×51mm (US) or 85×55mm (EU). Japan's standard is 91×55mm — slightly larger and more landscape than international standards. This means:

• Your existing US/EU template will not fit cleanly into a Japanese cardholder.
• Photoshop and Illustrator presets labelled 'business card' usually default to US sizes — set 91×55mm manually with 3mm bleed.
• Order a fresh print run when you arrive rather than reusing imports from home.

Bilingual cards: English on one side, Japanese on the other

Two-sided cards are the norm for foreigners doing business in Japan. The English side typically goes face-up when handing the card to non-Japanese contacts, and you flip to the Japanese side when meeting local clients. A few details to get right:

• Name order on the Japanese side: surname comes first, then given name. Do not reverse this — it reads as foreign, even when correct in English.
• Use a competent translator (or our team) for the Japanese side. Auto-translation produces cards that subtly broadcast 'I didn't take this seriously'.
• Phone numbers should be written +81 90-XXXX-XXXX so they work for both Japanese and overseas contacts.
• Email addresses don't need translation, but make sure the font supports any kanji on your address.

Paper weight: 180–220gsm is the Japanese standard

Western cards often default to 300–350gsm. In Japan, premium cards land closer to 220gsm — slightly thinner, more flexible, with a refined feel. We recommend 220gsm uncoated or matte for a serious-but-warm impression. For executives, soft-touch 220gsm or a 270gsm cotton card lifts things further.

Where to print: your three options

• Konbini (FamilyMart, Lawson, 7-Eleven): Cheap, but quality is poor — paper is thin, color is unreliable, and most won't accept bleed. Avoid for client-facing work.
• Domestic online printers (Raksul, PrintPac): Excellent quality, very cheap, but their entire workflow is in Japanese — site, file specs, support. If you can't read kanji you'll miss critical proofing notes.
• English-friendly services (like Print Japan): All communication in English, Japan Color 2001 profiles set up correctly, bilingual templates available, and proofs come back via WhatsApp before press.

Pricing and turnaround you should expect

Realistic numbers for 200 cards, 220gsm matte paper, double-sided full color in 2026:

• Konbini: ¥1,000–¥1,500 — but expect quality issues.
• Japanese online printer: ¥2,000–¥3,500 with a 5–7 day turnaround if you can navigate the order flow.
• English-friendly service: ¥3,500–¥6,000 with a 3–5 day turnaround, English proofing, and bilingual layout assistance.

The fastest path for someone new to Japan

Send us a draft of what you want — even a phone snap of an old card — and we'll: 1) translate the Japanese side accurately, 2) typeset in correct 91×55mm, 3) recommend paper, 4) send a digital proof, and 5) ship to your hotel or office in 3–5 days. The whole thing happens on WhatsApp in English.

Ready to get your bilingual cards sorted? Use our pricing configurator on the homepage to see prices instantly, or message us on WhatsApp with a sample card you like — we'll match the paper and finish.