In Japan, exchanging business cards is more than just a polite introduction—it is a silent negotiation of status and identity. In this episode, I explore how Japanese salarymen use a single card to measure hierarchy: company size, job title, and organizational prestige. Drawing on my own experiences in Japan and Southeast Asia, I explain why business card etiquette matters, how hidden power dynamics shape first impressions, and why belonging to a company often outweighs individual character. Listeners will also hear the cultural background behind this ritual and reflect on what they themselves notice during business card exchanges.