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The word keigo (敬語) is written with the kanji that means “to respect” (敬) or “to admire” and the kanji for “language” (語). Japanese society has always cared for hierarchy to the point that honorific speech seems to be a whole other language. If you’re planning to build a fulfilling career in Japan, knowing business Japanese will help you stand out during your job search.

Whatever the reason you are studying Japanese, we believe you are having fun. You enjoyed writing your first hiragana and katakana. Gradually, you were able to express yourself and hold a steady casual conversation in Japanese. Or, at least, that was at the beginning.

As you reach the intermediate step, the fun fades away, and you are shaking your head in despair as you try to understand Japanese honorific speech.

So in this article, we’re guiding you through all the nooks and crannies of Japanese keigo, from the viewpoint of a non-native. We’ll discuss the honorific forms, humble forms, conjugations, and phrases.

Want to boost your career in Japan? Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course is designed to help you master keigo (business Japanese) and improve workplace communication skills. Gain the confidence to speak professionally with colleagues and clients, navigate meetings, and open up new career opportunities!

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Introduction to Japanese Keigo

Do you know that Japan had a caste system in the past? Until the Meiji restoration, people in different castes would not speak the same Japanese as a form of respect for social ranks. Despite the disappearance of the caste system, honorific speech is still used to mark the degree of intimacy or social standing between people.

To use keigo is to show your consideration and respect for a person older than you or someone with a higher social standing. Age isn’t the only factor. It can be based on a different position or experience in a company, like your senpai (someone who’s more senior). Your speech will differ accordingly to the person in front of you: a friend, a colleague, a chief or a client; and to whom you a referring to yourself, your friend, colleague or client.

But don’t believe keigo speech is easier for native speakers, too. Japanese kids learn keigo the hard way, as they enter junior high school and are confronted with the Japanese hierarchy. Suddenly, they have to mark the difference between 先輩 (elder students) and 後輩 (junior students).

If the thought of learning a whole new style of speaking Japanese sounds scary then you are not alone. Memorizing keigo is a challenge for even Japanese people so it’s good to know that we’re all in the same position. Very often, Japanese people will not learn keigo in school, but during intensive training sessions before they start their first job.

The Concept of Uchi and Soto

To better understand respectful speech, take a peek into the Japanese concept of uchi and soto, or “in-out” (内-外). The idea might seem simple: uchi (内) literally means “inside”, while soto (外) means “outside”. But both words aren’t just about the physical position. They’re used to describe social distance too.

The concept of uchi and soto shapes Japan’s culture. In sociology and social psychology, there is the concept of “in-group” and “out-group”, and the Japanese society takes this matter more seriously — so seriously, in fact, that it plays a significant role in its language.

Basically, an in-group is the social group that you identify as a member of. Out-group, on the other hand, is a group that doesn’t fall into the in-group.

In Japanese, 内 means home. As a concept, uchi (内) reflects in-group and refers to all the people you know inside a specific social circle: your family, your company and your club. For example, inside the 内, family members may drop the title.

In Japanese, soto (外) is the culture’s equivalent to out-group. As a concept, 外 refers to all the people who are not inside your specific social circle. For example, another company’s employee or team rival.

So why are these concepts important in Japanese keigo? Japan, like many Eastern countries that tend to be collectivists, follows the rough idea that conformity in society is more important — the opposite of more individualistic views of Western culture.

In other words, being part of a group is an important element in Japan. Japanese speech differs depending on the social context of what you define as your in-group at the moment.

In-group can go as small as your family and span to a country. Think of the concept of “us” and “them”. This dynamic concept affects social interactions and is reflected in the Japanese language. So keep in mind that you will not use honorific words when speaking about insiders (people from your social circles) to outsiders.

Japanese Keigo for Beginners

Before you actually dive into keigo, you will probably learn the polite verb forms, otherwise known as teinei (丁寧/ていねい). This consists of the stem of a verb and what is called the ~ます form. For example, the verb “to see”, 見（み）る, becomes 見（み）ます.

Keigo covers both humble form, kenjougo (謙譲語), and polite form, sonkeigo (尊敬語), with various levels of vocabulary and expressions. This written Japanese offers even more complexity.

When you start to have a good command of Japanese, you will realize that politeness in Japanese is of great importance when dealing with elders or working in a professional environment. You will learn to adjust your speech depending on whether you have a certain intimacy with someone or to emphasize the social rank disparity if you are in a higher position.

ご飯を食べます。
Gohan o tabemasu.

映画をみます。
Eiga o mimasu.

But what if you want to show even more respect to someone? After all, humility is a big part of Japanese culture, in work or social life. Take a look at the table below to see three different levels of “politeness”.

Casual	Formal	Keigo
お土産をもらった。 Omiyage o moratta	お土産をもらいました。 Omiyage o moraimashita	お土産をいただきました。 Omiyage o itadakimashita.

One of our students joked that a good rule of thumb is this: the longer the sentence become, the more polite and formal it is. We don’t know if it’s entirely true, but that’s the pattern we see.

Now, you’re most likely to use the casual Japanese form with your in-group — who you have an equal or casual relationship with. This can be your classmates who you know very well, your close friends, siblings or even parents.

Going up a notch, the formal form is typically used for someone who has more social distance from you: your teachers, coworkers or strangers.

You use the utmost polite Japanese keigo to someone you deem sits on a much higher social hierarch. This demographic falls to people like your managers, boss and, yes, customers or clients.

But remember the “in-group” and “out-group” concepts again? Japanese people, especially women, have a tendency to use keigo even to a stranger, so don’t be surprised if they talk to you in a very humble and honorific language.

Basic Rules of Keigo

Now that we’ve gotten over who we can use keigo and the concept of uchi and soto, we can deal with the real keigo rules. The Japanese language is actually divided into three groups: the polite style, the humble style and the honorific style.

When using keigo, some words can be substituted for a more respectful version. For example, the word あした (tomorrow) and ひと (person) will become あす and かた respectively. This form of speech is called Aratamatta iikata (改まった言い方): formal speech.

The second thing to know is that Japanese honorific prefixes o or go can be added to certain nouns and verbs. The easiest examples is certainly tea, cha which becomes “o-cha” and family, 家族, which becomes ご家族.

The adjunction of honorifics after names is also a part of the respectful speech. The polite さん, like Tanaka-san (田中さん) becomes Tanaka-sama (田中様).

1. Polite Japanese: Teineigo (丁寧語)

The polite style is the easiest form of keigo ruled by regular grammar with a structure similar to casual speech. Thus, it is the first form of keigo taught to Japanese language learners. So when you are using です and ます instead of the dictionary form, a considerate and formal tone of Japanese, you are already using keigo.

As a reminder, the copula です comes after nouns, adjectives, and adverbs, generally, at the end of a sentence while the suffix ます is added at the end of a verb.

English	Regular	丁寧語
I am going to buy a book.	本を買いに行く。 Hono kaini iku.	本を買いに行きます。 Hono kaini ikimasu.
The phone is broken.	携帯(けいたい)が壊(こわ)れた。 Keitaiga kowareta.	携帯が壊れました。　 Keitaiga kowaremashita.
What is this?	これは何だ。 Korewa nan da.	こちらは何ですか。 Kochirawa nandesuka.

2. Honorific Japanese: Sonkeigo (尊敬語)

This style is to show respect to someone of higher position, like a superior or a customer, when speaking to them. You should never use 尊敬語 form to refer to yourself. The usage of 尊敬語 is difficult to understand, and characterized by lengthy polite sentences. Whereby, common verbs will change for more polite ones and some will even change into a respectful form.

English	Regular	Honorofic Form
Is Mr. Tanaka here?	すみません、田中先生はいますか。 Sumimasen, tanaka-sensei wa imasuka	すみません、田中先生はいらっしゃいますか Sumimasen, tanaka-sensei wa irasshaimasuka
How was the interview?	面接はどうでしたか。 Mensetsu wa dou deshitaka	面接はいかがでしたか。 Mensetsu wa ikaga deshitaka

Humble Keigo: 謙譲語

In the table above, you will find the honorific and humble styles’ special set expressions, along with the polite and casual speech forms.

The following humble set-expressions おります, 参ります, いたします, いただきます, もうします, 存じでおります are part of a third category called 丁重語. This courteous form of keigo is not often referred to and is used when your action does not directly involve the listener, but most likely the person you are talking to is someone to whom you want to be very polite.

English	Regular	謙譲語
I am Sakura.	私はさくらです。 Watashi wa sakura desu.	私はさくらと申します。 Watashi wa sakura to moushimasu.
The phone is broken.	携帯(けいたい)が壊(こわ)れた。 Keitaiga kowareta.	携帯が壊れました。　 Keitaiga kowaremashita.
I read the book	この本を読みました。 Kono hon o yomimashita.	こちらの本を拝読しました。 Kochira no hon haitokushimashita.

When referring to yourself, you should be humble. When referring to someone in your inner circle, you should humble them too — because the concept of “in-group” stipulates that they’re part of you too.

The kenjougo (謙譲語) is used to lower your social status when speaking about yourself. It should be used when you are speaking to someone of higher social rank when describing the actions of you or someone of your circle. Like for 尊敬語, the 謙譲語 substitutes verbs with other forms. Nouns may also change: the word 人, previously mentioned, will become 者.

This is particularly important in the Japanese work environment. When you’re speaking directly to your manager, you will probably address them in honorific form — because they’re socially higher than you. Easy, right?

Now, what about when you’re talking to your company’s clients, and suddenly need to mention your managers? To refer to them directly, do you use the humble or honorific form?

The answer is humble form. This is because in that moment, your manager is part of your in-group (uchi) and the client is your soto. An important thing to know is that you “raise” people from your out-group while you lower the peope in your in-group, regardless of the individual’s status from the beginning.

Japanese Keigo Conjugation

For both honorific and humble styles, as seen previously, certain verbs have set expressions. For the verbs without such set expressions, they obey keigo conjugations. The first rule is the adjunction of the polite prefix “o” to the stem of the verb.

We often focus on verbs construction and the social relations between a speaker and a listener, but keigo covers more than set expressions and situational examples. In particular, Japanese language uses honorific prefixes. Most of you might know that the Japanese honorific prefixes お (o) or ご (go) can be added to some nouns and verbs.

When used with a noun, it is preceded by either お (o) or ご (go), but is limited to only nouns which indicate actions (suru verbs). For verb, erase the ます and add になる.

English	Honorific Form
Verb	お + Verb ます (stem form) + になる
Noun	お/ご + Noun + になる

部長はいつ海外からお戻りになりますか。

課長はお変えになりました。

You can essentially add お (o) or ご (go) to any nouns to transform it into honorific form, but be careful. Adding too many prefixes will make your sentences sound awkward — we don’t want you trying tohard, and there are other ways to talk in keigo without putting お before every object.

However, you’ll most likely encounter these words without realizing that they are nouns with honorific prefixes.

English	Honorific Japanese	Romaji
Tea	お茶	Ocha
Water	お水	Omizu
Alcohol	お酒	Osake
Meal	ご飯	Gohan
Order	ご注文	Gochuumon
Sweets	お菓子	Okashi
Time	お時間	Ojikan

For the humble style, the construction of the verb will be as follows: お/ご + stem of the verb + する. You have certainly heard it before in お+願い+します(“please”).

The honorific style can also be expressed with what is called the “easy keigo” with verbs used in the passive form れる or られる. Although said to be easier, this form of keigo can be confused with the passive voice and should be used with care.

29 Useful Japanese Keigo Phrases for Work

The first step is understanding that some kanji readings and some words are different depending on if you are casual or polite. The easiest example is the word “tomorrow”. You’ll learn 明日 is read あした but, as you progress in your Japanese studies, you’ll quickly encounter the reading あす.

English	Casual Japanese	Keigo words for work
Tomorrow	明日（あした）	明日（あす）
After tomorrow	明後日（あさって）	明後日（みょうごにち）
Last night	昨日の夜	昨夜（さくや）
Tomorrow morning	明日の朝	明朝（みょうちょう）
From tomorrow	明日以降	後日（ごじつ）
This year	今年	本年（ほんねん）
The other day	この間	先日（せんじつ）
On that day	その日	当日（とうじつ）
Last year	: 去年（きょねん）	去年（さくねん）
Year before last	一昨年（おととし）	一昨年（いっさくねん）
Soon, shortly	もうすぐ	まもなく
Now	いま	ただいま
Earlier	前に	以前（いぜん）
Later	あとで	後ほど（あとほど）
Immediately	すぐに	さっそく
This time, now	今度	このたび
Just now	さっき	先ほど（さきほど）
Where	どこ	どちら
This way	こっち	こちら
That way	あっち	あちら
Over there	そっち	そちら
Which one	どっち	どちら
Just a minute	ちょっと	少々（しょうしょう）
Very, terribly	とても	大変（たいへん）
Very, greatly	すごく	非常に（ひじょうに）
How many, how much	どのくらい	いかほど
A few, a little:	少し	些少（さしょう）
Considerable	多い	多大（ただい）
About, approximately	～ぐらい	～ほど

When Should I Use Japanese Keigo?

Well, respectful language should be used toward older people, toward distinguished people, and in the workplace. Of course, exceptions exist and that is why keigo is as difficult for native speakers as for learners.

The respectful language can be strictly applied in one company or more loose in another. Foreigners often get slack from the Japanese as they do not expect a non-native to master this speech.

The difficulty also resides in the unknown: a gathering of people you do not know and here you are at loss, not knowing who is eminent, who has your age and who is younger. In some contexts, casual speech is preferred as an ice breaker while Keigo would be considered too distant.

Speaking Keigo As a Foreigner in Japan

While native speakers are expected to use proper keigo (and if they do not, they are seen as unprofessional and will be frowned upon), the same is not always true for non-native speakers. Foreigners are often forgiven for their misuse of keigo and are excused for not having a good command of that high level of Japanese.

That being said, you should do your best to try and learn Japanese keigo. And the best way to master the Japanese honorific is to learn slowly but surely all the ins and outs of respectful speech.

Keigo is also widely used in the workplace. Check out our business Japanese courses and send us an inquiry if you want to know more about Japanese keigo.

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FAQ

What is Keigo?

Keigo is the Japanese system of honorific language used to show respect, politeness, and humility depending on the social context.

Why is Keigo important in Japanese?

It reflects respect for hierarchy and social relationships. Using keigo correctly is essential in formal situations like work, customer service, and meeting new people.

What are the main types of Keigo?

Teineigo (丁寧語): Polite language using -masu/-desu endings.
Sonkeigo (尊敬語): Respectful language for elevating others.
Kenjōgo (謙譲語): Humble language to lower yourself or your in-group.

When should I use Sonkeigo?

When referring to the actions of someone above you in status, like a boss, customer, or teacher.

When should I use Kenjougo?

When talking about your own actions in a formal setting, especially in service roles or business.

Is Teineigo enough for daily conversations?

Yes! Teineigo is perfectly fine for general polite conversations, especially if you’re a learner or in casual-professional settings.

Do native speakers always use Keigo perfectly?

Not always. Even native speakers adjust based on context and may sometimes mix forms casually.

How can I practice Keigo?

Listen to real conversations (like in dramas or customer service), mimic phrases, and study common verb transformations for each keigo type.

Is Keigo only for business?

No—while it’s crucial in business, it’s also used in schools, public services, formal events, and when meeting someone for the first time.

Want to work in Japan? You might like related content like:

Living in Japan, I’ve always faced the uncertainty of speaking keigo and “casual” Japanese (tameguchi). Beyond social hierarchy (as in who’s higher than you), the degree of intimacy and relationship plays a big role in how you should communicate. It’s not just the literal word that conveys the meaning, but the delivery and tone of speech that reveals your intentions.

This won’t be a full breakdown of keigo, as we have a very thorough section dedicated to helping you understand the formal Japanese language (like knowing Japanese honorifics). This won’t also be a list of Japanese slang or swear words. Instead, this will be a more generic guide on the difference between using Keigo and tameguchi.

Sometimes, people use a mix of keigo and tameguchi. If you’re starting out, you might be so conflicted on which form to use that you end up switching one with the other. This is completely fine — as fine as a common Japanese language mistake all learners make, of course.

Jump to:

Keigo (敬語) vs Tameguchi (タメ口)
What’s Keigo? Teineigo, Sonkeigo and Kenjougo
When You Shouldn’t Use Keigo
What’s Tameguchi? Casual Japanese Form
When Can You Use Tameguchi?
When Should You Not Use Tameguchi?
Where to Learn — and Not to Learn — Tameguchi

Keigo (敬語) vs Tameguchi (タメ口)

Going back to the first sentence, I’ve faced a bunch of awkward conversations in the konbini where I would bounce between speaking in keigo and tameguchi with the employee. Here’s an example:

袋がいらないだけど。レシートをいただけますか？
Fukuro ga iranai da. Reshiito o itadakemasuka?
I don’t need a plastic bag, but can I get the receipt?

In the first sentence, I’m (involuntarily) using tameguchi: using da instead of desu. This makes my statement feels blunter. The second sentence uses the basic keigo rule: replacing morau (to receive) with its most humble form itadaku.

Meaning-wise, you can bet that you get the message across, but imagining you’re talking with a mix of old, Victorian-era English with Gen-Z lingo. Yikes.

Generally, keigo Japanese shows respect and politeness to strangers, but when you’re using it in every conversation with store staff and employees, you can sound as if you’re trying too hard — which, frankly, you are. At the same time, using a too-casual form can easily make someone frown. The easiest way is to stick with formal Japanese.

However, as you get more comfortable with speaking Japanese, you may want to ‘upgrade’ said skill. After all, how can you prove you’re advanced in speaking the language when you don’t speak like a native?

What’s Keigo? Teineigo, Sonkeigo and Kenjougo

Keigo is the Japanese polite form used when you meet someone for the first time or strangers, elders, people who have higher social status than you — and, often dismissed, when you’re talking to an out-group.

The first three groups are pretty self-explanatory, and most of you probably know about this when you’re just starting to learn Japanese. If you go to luxury department stores, supermarkets or konbini, the staff will always speak in keigo.

いらっしゃいませ！
Irrashaimase!
Welcome!

When you’re talking to your boss and clients, you will also use the same keigo form. To address yourself and your own actions, you will use the Japanese humble form, kenjougo (謙譲語), in front of them.

However, when referring to someone in your inner circle, you should humble them too. What does that mean? For example, while you might use kenjougo to refer to yourself in front of your boss and clients, what happens when you’re out with your boss together to have a meeting with your client?

When this happens, you represent both the company and your boss. The concept of “in-group” stipulates that they’re part of you too, so even though your manager. An important thing to know is that you “raise” people from your out-group while you lower the peope in your in-group, regardless of the individual’s status from the beginning.

The other type of Japanese keigo is 尊敬語 (sonkeigo). Think of kenjougo as an honorific form that humbles the person who’s talking. Referring to yourself in the most humble way “raises” the status listener. Sonkeigo, on the other hand, “elevates” and shows respect for superiors, out-groups and people in a higher position.

Keep in mind that Japanese keigo (polite form) is different from formal Japanese, also known as teineigo. For everyday interactions with strangers, standard teineigo (丁寧語) will do just fine. For example:

私の名前はコトです。
Watashi no namae wa koto desu.
My name is Coto.

私はコトと申します。
Watashi wa koto to moushimasu.
My name is Coto.

The first sentence uses formal Japanese, while the second uses the most humble form of “~ to say”. Although both means “My name is (name)”, these sentences carry a different nuance and will present you in a different way.

When You Shouldn’t Use Keigo

While it is okay to use keigo to strangers who might be younger than you, if you are an adult talking to an obvious kid in keigo, you’ll get a few raised eyebrows. They’ll probably understand (although some younger Japanese children may not know keigo yet), but they will feel strange.

The most important thing is to not use exaggerated keigo speech you hear and read in Japanese pop culture: anime, manga or historical movies. Remember that the Japanese used in these media are totally different than the ones in real life. You don’t want to sound like a low-caste farmer talking to a feudal lord during the samurai era.

What’s Tameguchi? Casual Japanese Form

Tameguchi is a form of Japanese language used to refer to speaking to someone else as an equal — without using humble, honorific or even formal language. Tameguchi” means a way of talking that doesn’t contain polite expressions in Japanese conversation.

The ため in this word was originally a gambling term, referring to when a pair of dice landed on the same number. The word “guchi” comes from the kanji kuchi (口), which means mouth or way of talking. The other name for tameguchi is tamego (タメ語) — 語 meaning “language”.

Tameguchi is casual and, if used in the wrong scenario, impolite. One of the easiest ways to spot the difference between polite, formal and casual Japanese is the length.

やっば〜！宿題忘れちゃった！
Yabbaa! Shukudai wasurechatta!
Oh no! I forgot my homework!

Tameguchi, or casual Japanese, tend to be shorter compared to keigo. Let’s take a look at a scenario where you are asking someone to pass you the salt.

お塩を回していただけますでしょうか。(Keigo)
Oshio o mawashite itadakemashouka?

塩ちょうだい。(Tameguchi)
Shio choudai.

Notice the first sentence is way longer than the second? This is because it incorporates all the basic rules of keigo: adding the honorific prefixes of o (お) or go (ご) and いただく.

Another example is written below.

大阪へはどうやっていけますか？(Teineigo)
Oosaka e wa dou yatte ikemasuka?
How do you get to Osaka?

大阪へはどうやって行くの? (Tameguchi)
Oosaka e wa dou yatte iku no?

When Can You Use Tameguchi?

When you’re talking to someone younger, it’s usually okay to use casual Japanese — even if you are meeting them for the first time. Remember that seniority plays a big part in Japanese society. Elders will use it when they’re talking to kids. It is, however, a big red flag when you reverse the situation. You should never use tameguchi to someone you’re trying to show respect to.

Japanese people adopt a high-context culture, which means there are many factors taken into consideration in communication: status, social relationships, social environment, formality, non-verbal gestures and even silence. Because of this, you might come across a few trials and errors before you can discern the appropriate time to use tameguchi and keigo.

When you are not sure, formal Japanese is probably the best form of the Japanese language.

**When Should You Not Use Tameguchi**?

If you have just met a person and they talk to you as if they’ve known you all their life, you might feel a bit uncomfortable.

In Western culture, ‘casual’ language is a great way to break down the ice and help relax the mood. However, you don’t want to present yourself as ‘too friendly’ in front of a stranger. There’s not really an exact point when you can use tameguchi, but generally, you both need to establish a good, intimate relationship.

Where to Learn — and Not to Learn — Tameguchi

The same thing goes for tameguchi. You wouldn’t want to imitate the slang and way of talking from anime or manga — particularly if it’s shounen (young boy’s) genre.

Think of anime dialogue as the sort of dialogue you’d hear among 12-year-olds at recess, where they’re just shouting “Baka!” While some shows do take place in business seating and incorporate more polite, realistic characters, most of them tilt towards one extremity: super polite or super rude.

In most cases, dialogue in anime is very direct. Used outside the context of anime, it comes off as coarse, insulting, and even derogatory. The easiest way to look at it is this: even anime voice actors don’t speak like that. Instead, they often overexaggerate the words and manipulate the tone of their voice depending on the character’s personality.

Learning Japanese from anime might make you more comfortable with the language and its structure, but taken by itself, it can really throw off your progress. The last thing you want to do is default your Japanese speaking skill to super-casual.

Learning Japanese casual forms is a bit more tricky than learning keigo as there are seldom formal lessons about it. JLPT N2 and N1 examine your ability to use Japanese in the business setting, so keigo is usually part of the curriculum of many JLPT prep courses and advanced-level classes.

However, tameguchi is not often taught in classroom lessons as often as in formal forms. Your best bet is to learn from comics, social media — and Japanese people. Try listening to your Japanese friends when they’re talking to one another. Slowly, you’ll start to adopt a few informal Japanese and obtain enough fluency to interact with them on a more personal, casual level. This is what’s known as immersion-based learning, where you learn a new language in the most natural way by interacting directly in the environment.

Conclusion

Some people use tameguchi when they speak to foreigners because it’s simple and straightforward, while keigo relies on a lot of implications.

However, Japanese people are more tolerant when non-native speakers use tameguchi in the wrong setting. Using over-enunciated street slang or super-casual Japanese isn’t seen as ignorance, but rather “beginner errors” in the use of language.

What is tameguchi?

Tameguchi is a form of Japanese language used to refer to speaking to someone else as an equal — without using humble, honorific or even formal Japanese expressions.

What is keigo?

Keigo refers to words, phrases, and conjugations in the Japanese language that are used in formal or official situations.

When should we use keigo?

You use keigo when you’re talking to someone who is older than you or has a higher social status. You may also use them when you are talking to a stranger.

Learning the Japanese language that you can actually use in real life can be tricky. What you learn in textbooks may not always be used in real life. Coto Academy has excellent teachers and lessons that can take you from beginner to advanced. We also offer programs to improve your business Japanese and understanding of Japanese culture. If you are interested in learning with us, contact us here.

Introduction
Rules of Japanese Honorific Prefixes
Frequent Expressions

Japanese Polite Prefixes

When learning the Japanese respectful speech called Keigo, the attention is often focused on verbs construction and the social relations between a speaker and a listener. However, Keigo covers more than set expressions and situational examples, and in particular Japanese uses Honorific Prefixes.
Most of you might know that the Japanese honorific prefixes お (O) or ご (Go) can be added to some nouns.
お水（みず）
Water
ご家族（かぞく）
Family
Among all rules of Keigo, there is a special one that deserves all our attention. Despite being often reduced to 2 or 3 lines in textbooks, learners are often deprived of the ability to enjoy the concept and explanation of the said rule. Have you ever heard of its the name and what we can consider a subdivision of Keigo?
美化語（びかご）
Beautified Speech
The word beautification is the art of making words more polite by adding Japanese Honorific Prefixes to noun or to the Polite Form of Verbs. In the ears of Japanese people, the adjunction of “O” and “Go” adds beauty to one’s words and manner.

However, for Japanese learners, this construction can be a bit tricky.

Rules of Japanese Honorific Prefixes

In general, the difficulty resides in knowing when to correctly and consistently use the Japanese Honorific Prefixes. In order to correctly place お or ご, it is necessary to understand the distinction between 音読（おんよ）み, the Chinese reading, as well as 訓読（くんよ）み, the Japanese reading.

Before a native Japanese word, you should place an お. The prefix お can be attached to a noun but can also be attached to a verb stem for the grammatical construction of Keigo.
Before a Sino-Japanese word, you should place ご. The tough part comes in when you have to figure which words comes from China.
However, note that there are exceptions whereby a Sino-Japanese Word has an お attached to it instead of a ご:
- - Tea: “o-cha” (お茶ちゃ)
- Get well: “o-daijini” (お大事だいじに)

Frequent Expressions

To further understand the readings and origins of the Japanese vocabulary is not an easy task. Our best advice would be to actively listen to natives speaking Japanese and thereafter memorize which words come with お and which words come with ご.
The set expressions frequently heard when in Japan are easy to remember.

お願いします (please)
お待たせしました (sorry for keeping you waiting)
ご協力をお願いします (we ask for your cooperation)

One important group that you can easily remember is the family vocabulary. When referring to somebody else’s family, you should try to place an お before the noun. This in turn changes the reading of the kanji at the same time:

	Your Family	Somebody else’s Family
Father	父（ちち）	お父（とう）さん
Mother	母（はは）	お母（かあ）さん
Older Sister	姉（あね）	お姉さん
Older Brother	兄（あに）	お兄さん

Although creating a list of all the existing combination of nouns with the prefixes would be quite a challenge, you may find the ones below very common:

お菓子（かし）: sweets
お水（みず）: water
お薬（くすり）: medicine
お野菜（やさい）: vegetable
お魚（さかな）: fish
お卵（たまご）: egg
ご飯（はん）: rice, meal
お酒（さけ）: alcohol
お財布（さいふ）: wallet
お帽子（ぼうし）: hat
お写真（しゃしん）: picture
お車（くるま）: car
お手紙（てがみ）: letter
お時間（じかん）: time

As you may have noticed, the Japanese honorific prefixes are only attached to native Japanese words or words borrowed from Chinese. As a general rule, katakana words – loan words from other languages, are excluded. However, do not be surprised, if you hear some Japanese saying おビール (beer) or おトイレ (toilet), おタバコ (tobacco).
Also, if you are looking to address someone else, here are some honorific titles such as San, Sama, Kun and Chan you can use!

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Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.

Start taking Japanese lessons and master Japanese honorific prefixes!

English teaching in Japan is one of the most common jobs for foreigners, but other career fields and roles surprisingly don’t require a high level of Japanese. That said, you do need some level of basic-to-intermediate speaking skills to live comfortably in Japan.

While many jobs in Japan require fluency in Japanese, there are still plenty of opportunities available for non-Japanese speakers. Thanks to Japan’s increasing globalization and demand for international talent, you can now find jobs in industries like tech, hospitality, design, and more where little to no Japanese is required. In this article, we’ll explore 11 jobs you can land in Japan without needing Japanese fluency, and what you’ll need to get started.

Want to fast-track your career in Japan? Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course is designed to help you master keigo (business Japanese) and improve workplace communication skills. Gain the confidence to speak professionally with colleagues and clients and open up new career opportunities!

Join 3-month Business Course

Can I Really Work in Japan Without Knowing Any Japanese?

The short answer is yes, you can get a job without needing Japanese, and that job doesn’t have to be an English teacher.

You might have more limited options, and your opportunities depend largely on your skills and the current job market trend. The IT industry, for example, is one of the largest industries in the Japanese economy. The Japan Times estimated that the country would face a shortage of 600,000 IT-related professionals by 2030. A lot of companies are eager to hire foreign IT workers as a solution. If you have a background or knowledge in tech, recruiters in top companies are willing to hire you from overseas and sponsor your stay in Japan, even if you don’t necessarily have a high level of Japanese language skills.

It’s relatively easy to get accepted as an English teacher, ALT, and eikaiwa teacher if you come from an English-speaking country. There are plenty of opportunities in a lot of industries, even if you only speak English. In fact, a lot of foreigners, who’ve lived here for more than 10 years, can’t speak Japanese.

There’s a catch, though: you’re closing a lot of doors if you don’t bother to learn at least conversational-level Japanese. Live here long enough, and eventually, you will realize that you can miss out on getting promotions and attractive job offers.

Even a decent conversational level or the ability to speak Japanese confidently (which is the focus of Coto Academy), can widen your job opportunities. Even if that job doesn’t require Japanese, showing that you are learning will give you a good impression and open more career opportunities.

English-speaking Jobs in Japan With No Japanese Required

We’ll be covering jobs that fall under the Engineer/Humanities visa, or the 技術/人文知識/国際業務 (gijutsu/jinbun-chishiki/kokusai-gyoumu). Most professional jobs fall under this category because they include fields like human resources, accounting, tech, marketing, and sales.

What we won’t cover are the jobs under the Specified Skills Visa, or 特定技能ビザ (tokutei ginou bisa). The type of jobs you do on this type of visa are work-related tasks, like construction, automobile maintenance, food service, hospitality, and nursing care. We won’t be recommending blue-collar and part-time jobs.

1. Recruiter and Consultant Job in Japan

A career at an international consulting firm in Japan is attractive to foreigners for a few reasons. Generally, even if you are a fresh graduate, you will still receive a higher base salary.

It’s also one of the most popular options for foreigners who want to change their careers. This is because it’s possible to become a recruiter without any prior experience or relevant background. You don’t need a relevant degree like human resources, psychology, or communication, although that’s always a plus point. Instead, hiring managers and recruiting companies decide on the right candidate based on their soft skills: negotiation, strong communication, confidence, and critical thinking.

Most of all, you don’t need Japanese language ability to be a recruiter. Most of your clients will be bilingual, and most of the consulting firm’s databases are managed in English. In fact, you should be able to speak it well, because negotiations are done in English.

The life of a consultant is coveted and competitive. Rather than HR, think of recruiters as a sales job. To be a top biller, you need to be able to thrive under pressure and in a fast-paced environment. But it’s extremely rewarding, too.

The annual starting salary is typically 3.6 million JPY, but the number can go up depending on the size and contract of your company. Keep in mind that this doesn’t include your bonuses yet. If you perform well, you can easily double and triple your income.

Top consulting firms in Japan are Robert Walters, Michael Page and Hays, but you will also find mid to smaller-sized recruitment companies.

You can also be an internal recruiter for global and international companies, so always check the “Careers” page of your dream company. There might be an open position for talent acquisition specialists in Japan.

2. Creative and Marketing Roles in Japan

With Japan’s growth as both a travel destination and an economic hub, many companies are now turning their attention to previously untapped markets: global and non-Japanese audiences. Some are expanding their brand presence overseas, while others are adapting their services for foreigners living in Japan, creating demand for skilled professionals who can localize and market effectively in either (or even both!) directions.

As a result, depending on the company, you might see a demand for international talent that can focus on global outreach. Marketing and advertising agencies in Japan like Humble Bunny, which is an expert in helping companies localize for the Japanese market, actively seek bilingual or English-speaking marketers or project managers to help bridge cultural and communication gaps.

3. Real Estate Jobs in Japan

To buy a house, invest in a property, or hunt for an apartment, you have to deal with real estate agents and go through rigorous procedures — all in Japanese. In 2020, the country recorded 2.89 million foreigners living here, so there was high demand for English-speaking housing agents.

Now, a lot of real estate companies provide multilingual support, including English. Some of them exclusively specialize in handling foreign clients.

There was a high demand for English-speaking housing agents in Japan. In 2020, the country recorded 2.89 million foreigners living here, and a big chunk of them have trouble going to the typical Japanese real estate company. With travel restrictions and borders easing, we can expect a surge of newcomers and returning international residents.

Now, you can find real estate agencies that specialize in finding an apartment for foreigners, which is where you can come in. Usually, experience in real estate brokerage transactions is preferred, but a lot of companies welcome candidates with relevant experience.

Another attractive feature is the commission system, too. Top salespeople can earn up to 20 million JPY as compensation.

4. English Teaching Jobs in Japan

The first thing that comes to mind when you put “English” and “jobs in Japan” together is “English teacher”. In order to teach English in Japan, you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree, but it doesn’t have to be relevant to education. Teaching certifications, like the TEFL, are preferred but generally not required.

You can’t group all English teachers the same.

1. ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)

More than half of the English teachers in Japan are ALTs. As an ALT, you’re not in charge of teaching the whole class. Rather, you’re working with the Japanese teacher at the school you’re assigned to. Your role is to become the language instructor and “cultural ambassador”.

You don’t need any educational license, master’s degree or relevant education degree to be an ALT.

2. Eikaiwa Teacher

Eikaiwa is an English conversation school, and the students can either be children or adults. The word “Eikaiwa” stems from 英 or “Ei” (English) and 会話 or “Kaiwa” (Conversation). Giant Eikaiwa companies include NOVA, ECC, AEON, Berlitz or Peppy Kids Club.

3. Private school or university teacher

Salaries for ALT and Eikawa teachers are decent, but not the best. In terms of a career within the education industry in Japan, becoming a full-time teacher at a private school or university is your best bet to nail a higher salary and better career progression.

There are over 700 universities in Japan, and some of them have an English learning program. Schools will often require you to have at least a master’s degree in education, alongside TEFL or TESOL, and even prior teaching experience.

Other than the above, you can become an English teacher for adults or for kindergartens.

Here are some popular job sites to search for English:

5. IT and Tech Engineer Jobs in Japan

There’s no denying that Japan is facing an IT shortage, so having a background in IT can seriously make you a sought-after candidate. You can find more than 100 programming jobs on job platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor alone, and it’s easy to see why. Japan’s IT industry takes about 3% of the world market, and all companies, regardless if they’re traditional Japanese or international, need web designers, developers, and IT professionals.

Because of this lopsided supply-demand IT job market situation, requirements for the Japanese language are relatively low, sometimes none at all. Startup and unicorn companies like Mercari and Zehitomo hire tech engineers from overseas. Japanese technology group NEC partnered with Persol Career and has provided an app that matches companies in Japan with Indian tech engineers.

Tokyo Dev, one of the leading IT job sites in Japan, did a survey of more than 435 software engineers living in Japan. The average salary is 8.5 million yen per year, which is almost half more than what the average worker in Japan makes (6.2 million yen).

Out of all of them, only a third can speak Japanese fluently, and 80% of these employees use English as the primary language to communicate with their coworkers.

Note that even though there is a big pool of vacant engineering and tech positions, the roles are still coveted. You will need to be adept in JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and Python (all common coding languages), but some corporations may use TypeScript, C++, and SQL.

Here are some popular job sites that are specifically for IT and tech-related roles in Japan:

We’ve created a separate article dedicated to listing the best IT job sites in Japan .

6. Hospitality Jobs in Japan

In 2019 (pre-COVID), Japan recorded 8 million overseas travelers. Urban centers like Tokyo and famous holiday destinations are generally more foreign-friendly. Besides English-speaking Japanese staff, some hotels will have native customer support employees: front desk agents, chefs, PR staff, and general managers. If you can bring relevant experience and background to the table, check out the job listings on Career Cross and Daijob.

Another great way to look for job vacancies is by exploring the career section of each company’s website. Global hotel chains will also do internal transfers or approach prospective candidates themselves.

7. Customer Service Positions in Japan

Responsibilities of a customer service staff include resolving customer queries, recommending solutions, and guiding service users through features and functionalities. To be successful in this role, you should be an excellent communicator. Generally, Japan-based companies favor bilingual customer service, but if you’re a mid-career professional, there are open positions that require little Japanese: supervisors, site directors, managers.

If a company deals with a large volume of foreign customers, it may hire. You can find customer service job advertisements in Japan in recruitment agencies like Michael Page, Hays, and Robert Walters.

Check out some of the more popular bilingual recruitment agencies in Japan.

8. Graphic, Product, or Creative Designer Career in Japan

Designers are also in high-demand jobs in Japan at the moment. Whether it’sa UI/UX specialist, a graphic designer, or a product designer, your main selling point will be your hard skills and portfolio. General requirements include knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator, but some companies may require advanced skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (depending on the position). You can find more job listings on Google.

9. Study Abroad Staff in Japan

Currently, Japan is restricting the number of foreign students who can enter from their home countries (subject to change). The industry might be in a lull right now, but things are starting to pick back up.

Usually, you can go and live in Japan as a student in two ways: independent application, where you find a university and apply directly, or through an agent. Companies like Coto School Finder help foreign students apply for a school in a Japanese language school and a student visa. Besides that, they provide additional support, like helping you find an apartment or share a house.

Because they are dealing with international students, these agencies are not just looking for English-speaking staff, but native Korean, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Italian student coordinators, too.

Universities in Japan with an English track program — or at least those that deal with a large volume of foreign students — will also hire foreigners to manage their students.

Where to Find Jobs in Japan that Don’t Require Japanese

The best chance to get a career in Japan that doesn’t require high Japanese skills is through browsing job posting sites and hiring platforms like LinkedIn, GlassDoor, Jobs in Japan, Career Cross, and GaijinPot Jobs. Check out some of the best foreigner-friendly job hunting sites in Japan for more options.

Besides that, we recommend that you do your own research. Find out about the industry and look for companies that you might like. Visit their website. Most companies have a designated Careers page (“Work with Us”, “Careers”).

If you have more years of experience in your pocket working in a niche industry (like healthcare, automotive, or infrastructure), approach a recruiter. They deal with highly specialized positions that are often mid-career or even at C-levels, so you have a better chance of being matched with a potential job in a top company that is willing to negotiate your terms and salary.

Want to Boost Your Career in Japan? Take Japanese Lessons at Coto Academy

While there are jobs in Japan besides English teaching, your options might still be limited. The best way to boost your career prospects in Japan is by improving your Japanese skills!

Why not take Japanese lessons at Coto Academy and open more doors for your career? With locations in Shibuya, Yokohama, and online, our classes are designed to fit the busy schedules of working professionals. Discover how we can help you achieve your Japanese language goals. If you’re unsure where to start, we offer a free Japanese level check to guide you on the right path.

FAQ

Can I get a job in Japan if I don’t speak Japanese?

Yes, it’s possible to find jobs in Japan that don’t require Japanese, especially in industries like IT, design, hospitality, and international sales. However, your options may be more limited compared to fluent speakers, and most of these roles are in global companies or startups.

What kind of jobs in Japan don’t require Japanese?

Jobs in tech (like software engineering, UI/UX design), translation/localization (for your native language), content creation, digital marketing, international customer support, and even certain hospitality roles at international hotels may not require Japanese.

Do I need a visa to work in Japan without speaking Japanese?

Yes, you’ll still need a valid work visa. Most companies that hire non-Japanese speakers will sponsor your visa if you meet the job and education requirements. Common visa types include the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.

How can I find jobs in Japan that don’t require Japanese?

You can check job boards like Japan Dev, GaijinPot Jobs, Jobs in Japan, and LinkedIn. Filtering for “No Japanese Required” or “English-only” will help narrow down your search.

Where can I study Business Japanese?

You can study Business Japanese with Coto Academy. Coto offers flexible Business Japanese courses designed for working professionals, covering everything from keigo (honorific language) to real-world business situations like meetings, emails, and presentations.

Want to work in Japan? You might like related content like:

Summer in Japan brings iconic experiences like fireworks and lively festivals, while hinting at the cooler season ahead.

Thinking about your next plan? Discover the latest Japanese courses opening in the coming months at Coto Academy’s four physical locations and our online school. Whether you’re studying in Tokyo, Yokohama, or from abroad, there’s a program for you.

If you have questions or want to explore different courses without friendly staff directly, fill out the contact form below to get in touch. You can immediately book an online meeting with our team!

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Coto Japanese Academy Iidabashi

1. Business Japanese Course

Advance your career in Japan with Coto Academy’s intensive 3-month Business Japanese Course, designed specifically for working professionals.

This program focuses on building practical fluency in keigo (honorific language), formal expressions, and effective communication in the Japanese workplace.

Courses are offered at intermediate, upper-intermediate, and advanced levels, each emphasizing real-world application and business context to help you confidently navigate professional environments in Japan.

Duration: September 9 – November 22
Schedule: Every Saturday, 14:10 – 17:00 (24 lessons in total)
Location: Coto Academy Iidabashi
Price: 64,800 yen

2. JLPT 3-month Intensive Course

Taking the last JLPT for 2025? Coto Academy students have historically had a 75% higher pass rate than the national average, thanks to our expert-designed JLPT preparation curriculum.

Join our 3-month intensive course and turn your current knowledge into test-ready skills. With just 3 focused hours per week, you’ll strengthen key areas like listening, reading, grammar, and vocabulary.

Duration: September 6 – December 6
Available lessons: JLPT N4 to N1
Schedule: Every Saturday, 14:10 – 17:00 (42 lessons in total)
Location: Coto Academy Iidabashi
Price: 98,280 yen

3. Total Beginner Course

Join Coto Academy Iidabashi’s Lite Intensive course, which is a semi-intensive Japanese lesson happening twice a week. If you have never studied Japanese before, this course is perfect for you.

When: Monday and Wednesday, 19:10 – 21:00
Starting date: August 4

Coto Academy Yokohama

1. Part-time Course for Beginners

Ready to build a solid foundation in Japanese? Join our Active Basic Japanese Grammar A, a part-time course designed specifically for beginners who want to learn practical grammar for everyday conversations.

Schedule: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 19:10–21:00
Start date: July 2

2. Bridge to Intermediate

Another part-time course, this class is perfect for upper-beginner students aiming to move up to the intermediate level. The jump from JLPT N4 to N3 can often feel quite big — that’s why this course is designed to be the perfect bridge.

Schedule: Monday and Thursday
Time: 19:10 – 21:00
Start date: July 10

3. Essential Grammar and Conversation

Designed for upper-beginner learners, this part-time course focuses on mastering essential grammar and learning how to apply it in real-life conversations

Schedule: Every Saturday
Time: 10:10 – 12:00
Start date: July 12

Coto Academy Online

Learn Japanese from anywhere with Coto Academy’s online school. Our flexible point-based system lets you purchase lesson credits, choose the courses you want through our user-friendly portal, and receive personalized recommendations based on your level and goals. Create a free account and browse lessons today.

For group lessons, we offer two convenient formats:

Part-Time Courses: Join anytime and study at your own pace.
Lite Intensive Courses: A structured, weekly program ideal for learners who want steady progress.

Check out the upcoming online Japanese lessons below.

1. Practical Japanese for Beginners (Part-time)

Build the foundation you need to navigate Japan with confidence. In this course, you’ll learn to read and write hiragana and katakana, plus a wide range of useful phrases for everyday situations.

Schedule: Saturday
Time: 10:00 – 11:50 (JST)
Material: Nihongo Fun & Easy 1 (2nd edition)
First class: July 26
Recommended point plan: 16-point subscription plan (16,800 yen)

2. Lite Intensive Beginner 2 (Lite Intensive)

The continuation of our Lite Intensive Beginner 1, this course picks up from the next chapter of the Genki 1 textbook.

Not sure which level is right for you? Fill out the form below for a free level check and personalized consultation with our staff to find the best fit for your goals.

Schedule: Every Tuesday & Friday
Time: 9:00-10:50 JST
Start date: July 8th
Materials: Genki 1, Genki 1 Workbook
Recommended point plan: 32-point subscription plan (32,000 yen)

3. N4 Grammar and Conversation (Part-time Essential Grammar & Conversation)

Sign up for Coto Academy’s convenient online course that focuses on essential JLPT N4 grammar and provides plenty of conversation practice.

Schedule: Fridays
Time: 9:00-10:50 JST
Start date: July 11
Material: Coto original PDF handouts
Recommended point plan: 16-point subscription plan (16,800 yen)

Take a free level check and consultation

Please note that the subscription will automatically be charged every 4 weeks without notice.

If you’re a current or past Coto Academy student, please fill out the form again. We’ll recognize you, but it’s always great to see your new goals.
For new students, don’t worry! Even if you’re unsure about which course to take, you’ll receive a free level check and a consultation with our in-house advisor who will recommend the best program for you.

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FAQ

What is the difference between the part-time and lite intensive courses?

The Lite Intensive course is a structured Japanese program where you attend regular classes, typically twice a week. The Part-Time course offers more flexibility. You can join anytime, and classes are held once a week.

Where are the physical school locations of Coto Academy?

Coto Academy has physical school locations in Shibuya, Iidabashi, Yokohama, and Minato.

Does Coto Academy offer weekend and evening lessons?

Yes, we provide weekend and evening lessons, ideal for busy residents in Japan who cannot study during daytime hours.

How do I join Coto Academy’s online school?

You can create a free account and purchase points either as a one-time payment or via subscription. Each lesson costs a certain number of points depending on whether it’s a group or private lesson. If you’re unsure how to proceed, simply fill out the inquiry form—our staff will be happy to assist you in navigating the website.

Can I start taking Japanese lessons anytime?

For part-time Japanese lessons, yes, you can start anytime. Just fill out the inquiry form to ask about the schedule and availability.

How much do lessons cost?

Lesson fees vary depending on the type of course you choose. Please contact us for detailed pricing information.

If you are a mid-career professional or higher seeking new opportunities in Japan, bilingual recruitment services can be a valuable resource.

Recruitment agencies in Japan are external firms hired by employers to find the right candidates for their job vacancies. Oftentimes, companies use recruitment agencies rather than internal hiring because it saves them time, resources, and even money. This is because recruitment consultants can filter the right job seekers for specific positions, have a broader network of prospective candidates (meaning they already have a decent database of talent), and are more familiar with the job market and industry trends.

Recruitment consultants handle all of the paperwork and other formalities, and liaise with your new employer to make sure everything is in place for your first day and beyond. They can even negotiate your salary for you and make sure you get the best package out there. Consultants are paid by the employers and receive their fee based on whether they’ve successfully started in a role. This means that, as the prospective candidate, you shouldn’t pay for their services.

But which recruiters are the best in Japan right now? Check out these top bilingual recruitment agencies!

Want to fast-track your career in Japan? Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course is designed to help you master keigo (business Japanese) and improve workplace communication skills. Gain the confidence to speak professionally with colleagues and clients, navigate meetings, and open up new career opportunities!

Join 3-month Business Japanese Course

What is a Bilingual Recruitment Agency?

Bilingual recruitment in Japan refers to hiring professionals who are fluent in both Japanese and another language, typically English, to work in roles that require cross-cultural communication or global business operations.

As more Japanese companies expand globally, and more foreign companies enter the Japanese market, there’s a growing need for professionals who can bridge language and cultural gaps, especially in industries like IT, finance, consulting, and customer support.

Most bilingual roles require business-level Japanese (N2 or N1 on the JLPT) and fluent English. Some positions may accept conversational Japanese (N3) if English is the primary working language.

Why Use a Recruitment Agency in Japan?

Recruitment consultants, especially those based in Tokyo (or big cities in Japan like Osaka), usually possess extensive knowledge of the local market. They’re highly skilled in filtering and sourcing candidates. They will usually collaborate with job seekers to ensure that you are completely well-advised as you move forward in your career.

They will take the time to understand your background, needs, goals, and preferences to match you with the right opportunity. Most of the time, they will guide you through every step of the screening process, too.

In other words, even though they mostly work on behalf of their clients, they can act as your personal career advisor — something you might need when you are making one of the most important decisions in your life.

A thing to keep in mind is that these vacant jobs are less likely to be entry-level and generic, as recruiters are paid to source hard-to-fill jobs. With that said, if you’d like some help in your job search, you can reach out to recruiters to see if they can match you with a job. Most — if not all — of these recruitment firms in Japan use English as their primary language, which makes it even more convenient for English-speaking job seekers to ask for advice and consultations for the right career moves.

Looking for a job hunting site? Check out: 10 Trusted Job Hunting Websites in Japan

1. Robert Walters

*Image courtesy of Robert Walters Japan.*

Robert Walters is one of the bigger bilingual recruitment agencies in Japan, with offices in Tokyo and Osaka. They specialize in recruitment for permanent, contract, and interim roles across all professional disciplines, including IT, marketing, sales, healthcare, supply chain management, and legal. Robert Walters Japan particularly focuses on permanent and contract recruitment solutions. They work with international clients, ranging from multi-national corporations and Fortune 500s to SMEs and start-ups.

Their teams are divided based on specialized fields to find candidates who are not typically found in the job market. We work with a diverse range of clients around the world.

Website: www.robertwalters.co.jp/en/

2. Michael Page

Image courtesy of Michael Page.

Michael Page specializes in the recruitment of mid to senior positions for top employers. Their Japan office is divided into three specialized disciplines: recruitment for multinational corporations (gaishi), Japanese corporations (nikkei), and temporary or contract employment. They employ industry specialists who can give you sage advice in your job search and help you find the perfect fit. If you’re an executive or looking for a job higher up on the corporate ladder, then their page PageExecutive might be more your speed. They, too, have extensive resources for improving your job search.

Website: www.michaelpage.co.jp/en

3. Robert Half

Image courtesy of Robert Half.

Robert Half pioneered specialized recruitment services and provides recruitment solutions for businesses and finance, accounting, financial services, technology, and administrative professionals. Having adapted to the new teleworking trend, they have dedicated some of their operations to assisting job seekers and candidates in finding remote work.

Website: www.roberthalf.jp/en

4. Hays

Image courtesy of Hays.

With over 20 years in Japan and 50 years worldwide, Hays is a reliable and established recruitment consultancy in Japan. This recruitment agency offers “an unrivaled suite of recruitment and workplace solutions”. They have the knowledge and expertise to help you take the next step in your career. They also provide a great number of resources for improving your job interviews in Japan, CVs, and progressing your career.

Website: www.hays.co.jp/en/home

5. Specialized Group

Unlike the other recruitment firms we mentioned, which have branches outside Japan, Specialized Group is a mid-sized recruitment agency based only in Tokyo. They focus on executive search for international businesses in Japan. Their consultants are well-trained and experienced and have good connections with lots of Japanese companies. As a Japanese company themselves, they can provide unique insight into the working culture in Japan.

They cover comprehensive industries, ranging from infrastructure and robots to consumer goods and real estate. Their biggest discipline, however, is in positions related to tech and IT.

Website: www.specialized-group.com/en

6. RGF Professional Recruitment

RGF Professional Recruitment Japan is part of the bilingual recruitment Recruit Group, Asia’s largest recruiting and information service company. They partner with both multinational companies and domestic businesses to provide market-leading bilingual talent for specialist and managerial positions.

The company covers all business sectors, with management teams specializing in various industries. Bilingual professionals in Japan looking to further grow their careers are free to seek advice (and open positions) from their experienced consultants. They’ll want to take the time to understand your background, needs, and goals to accurately match you with the right opportunity.

Website: www.rgf-professional.jp/en/

7. Build+ (Previously Wahl+Case)

Build++Rebrand+Blog+Social+Image — *Image courtesy of Build+*

Previously operating as Wahl+Case, the recruitment company was acquired by SHIFT in May 2023 and rebranded itself as Build+. Build+ is different from most of the other agencies, as they specialize in the tech industry. Because of their decision to focus on one industry, Build+ is much better at guiding you through the tech world. They work with a lot of recognizable brands like Netflix and Spotify, and a lot of startups.

Their consultants are very knowledgeable and experienced in the tech industry and are sure to provide you with some valuable insights. They also offer resources that are very relevant to tech positions.

Website: buildplus.io/

Want more tech-related jobs? Check out: Best IT Job Sites in Japan

8. Cornerstone Recruitment Japan

Although a new recruitment company in Japan (they were established in 2019), Cornerstone Japan has been growing its network of Tokyo-based clients and candidates. Their consultants are experienced in giving both sides access to guidance and expertise on the Tokyo job market.

Cornerstone Recruitment Japan focuses on placing bilingual, mid-career professionals across all sectors. Their retained service is particularly successful for clients with high-profile or critical hiring needs or niche searches.

Website: www.cornerstone.jp/

9. Morgan McKinley

Morgan McKinley is a very reliable and recognized recruitment agency. They’re a very trusted brand that has provided quality service to both companies and job hunters. They are much more dedicated to providing the human element to their process and will discuss with you both your career plans and goals, as well as provide honest feedback to help you accomplish them. They cover a large number of industries and provide more resources than anywhere else on this list, including top interview questions and salary reviews.

Website: www.morganmckinley.com/jp

10. JAC

Another major recruitment firm in Japan, JAC Recruitment, primarily focuses on domestic recruitment for Japanese candidates but has expanded significantly over the years. Their JAC International division specializes in search and placement services tailored to professional careers in multinational companies. Additionally, they offer placement services outside Japan, such as global talent sourcing and overseas job opportunities for bilingual professionals.

Website: www.jac-international.jp

Open more doors in Japan by learning Japanese at Coto Academy!

The best way to find a job in Japan is to open up more opportunities, and learning Japanese is key. Improve your chances by mastering Business Japanese at Coto Academy, where we help you confidently navigate the workplace and unlock new career doors.

Get a free level check and course consultation by filling out the contact form below!

Want to work in Japan? Check out our work-related series:

FAQ

Do bilingual recruitment agencies charge job seekers?

No. In Japan, recruitment services are free for job seekers. Agencies are paid by the hiring company after a successful placement.

How can I increase my chances of getting hired in Japan?

Improve your Japanese language skills, tailor your resume and cover letter for the Japanese market, and work with a reputable bilingual recruitment agency that understands your background and goals.

What are the best industries for bilingual professionals in Japan?

Top industries include tech, finance, e-commerce, tourism, education, and global consulting, where both Japanese and English communication are essential.

What are the top billingual recruitment agencies in Japan?

Coto Work is a top bilingual recruitment agency in Japan that helps Japanese-English speakers find jobs in engineering, logistics, and business roles, alongside other leading firms like RGF, JAC International, and Morgan McKinley.

Should I use recruitment service in Japan?

If you’re a mid-career professional or bilingual, using a recruitment service in Japan can significantly boost your job search by connecting you with opportunities that match your skills and language abilities.

Is recruitment service in Japan free?

If you’re a candidate, remember that you should never pay a recruiter. Professional recruitment services in Japan charge the employer for successful placements, not the job seeker.

Now that you have landed a job interview in Japan, you must be wondering what manners you need to know. Understandably, you might be nervous since interviews are when you need to put your best foot forward. So, how should you present yourself in front of your potential employers?

As you may know, Japan places a high value on manners, humility, and understanding of social cues. Just like showcasing your abilities, your impressions of your employers are just as essential. In order to ensure you’re prepared, we have broken down everything you need to know about job interview manners and etiquette in Japan.

Want to boost your career in Japan? Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course is designed to help you master keigo (business Japanese) and improve workplace communication skills. Gain the confidence to speak with clients, navigate meetings, and open up new career opportunities!

Join 3-month Business Japanese Course

How are Japanese job interviews different from other countries?

a woman being interviewed by 2 japanese people

A Japanese job interview is more formal and structured than in many other countries, emphasizing etiquette, group harmony, long-term commitment, and humility over individual assertiveness or achievements.

Throughout this article, you will probably pick up on many similarities and differences between Japanese interviews and those in your home country. Like everywhere else, in an interview, you want to present the best of who you are and what you can bring. So, that means being respectful, listening well, and giving your interviewers a great impression.

However, in Japan, the etiquette for job interviews might reflect how Japan’s work culture is different from the West overall. Unlike in countries like the U.S., Japanese interviews have strict etiquette rules, such as knocking exactly three times and using specific phrases when entering, sitting, and leaving. So, to give the best impression, understanding proper etiquette will be essential, such as when to bow, what to say at what time, and even how to enter interview rooms.

What to prepare before your Japanese job interview

Japanese job etiquette starts with preparation, from how to dress and what to bring. Even if the job doesn’t require any Japanese, if you’re interviewing with a Japanese company, you may still need to know Japanese interview manners.

Dressing for your interview in Japan

The dress code for interviews in Japan will depend on the role type, company, and seniority. Sometimes interviewers will explicitly say you can dress casually for the interview. Also tech start-ups tend to boast more causal atmospheres, so a suit won’t hurt but you might be overdressed!

When a dress code is not specified or if you are unsure, as a general rule of thumb, you should always dress formally. That generally means a full suit and dress shirt or blouse. Colors should be muted and not too loud as the formal dress code in Japan should be uniform and not stand out. Below, we go into further detail about the dress code between men and women:

dress code etiquette for interviews in japan

For men, the general dress code is a full suit with darker colors and a dress shirt.

Suit jacket and pants with black, blue, or darker colors to be safe. Japanese culture, especially in work, should be about how you fit into the workplace. So wearing colors to stand out is not ideal.
A nice tie that is also preferably dark and matches your suit. Your tie should also not stand out either, so you may want to opt out of ties with bright colors.
White or light-colored button-up shirt, shirt should be rather neutral and contrast with the darker colors of your jacket.
Black or brown shoes, and leather shoes are the most common but non-leather formal shoes are also acceptable.

For women, a full suit with either pants or a nice skirt is considered acceptable

Suit Jacket with black, blue, or darker colors. As mentioned earlier, Japanese culture is more about fitting in, especially in a formal setting. So, avoid wearing colors that stand out.

Light-colored blouse or button-up shirt that won’t contrast with your jacket and pants or skirt.
Darker-colored skirts or pants. The color should be the same as your jacket.
Darker colored heels under 5 cm, you don’t want to wear heels that are too high since they generally stand out.
Simple and natural make-up is considered professional in Japan.

What to bring to your Japanese job interview

Oftentimes, you don’t need to bring anything since you probably already sent over documents through email communication. However, just to be safe, keep the following things:

Japanese resume or rirekisho since they could ask you to provide your own copy that is up-to-date and keep it for internal records. You probably won’t need to bring your cover letter if you wrote one.
Residence Card, Passport, or some kind of ID, since they may want to check your visa status and also have your official identification for internal processes. If the role needs you to drive, you should also bring your driver’s license to show you are qualified to drive in Japan.
Note pad in case you need to take notes or jot down information, which could include important dates, details about the role or company, and anything else you might want to reference.
Pen for filling out any documents, paperwork, tests, or taking notes.
A professional bag or something to keep documents, business cards, and other things you receive from the interviewer.
A hanko/inkan (signature stamp) if you have one, since Japanese companies may need you to stamp documents. Usually, this will only be necessary for the actual offer contract.

Etiquette for arriving at a Japanese job interview

Etiquette in Japanese interviews is not just about what you do during the interview but also about punctuality and being prepared.

When to arrive at the office

Punctuality is a part of Japanese interview etiquette, so you should try to arrive around 10 to 15 minutes before your interview. If your train or bus is delayed (we know it happens), just let your interviewers, or person of contact, know with a quick message. To be safe you can grab a Densha Chien Shoumeisho (電車遅延証明書), which is a little piece of paper providing evidence that your line was delayed.

A little tip about online interviews in Japan: You should try to be in the online meeting room around 5 minutes before it starts. Punctuality is also taken seriously for online interviews, so it is best to be a little early since being a little late

Arriving at the interview location

When you arrive at the office, there might be a phone or a receptionist whom you can inform of your name and time of the scheduled interview. You will probably wait briefly in the lobby before being led to a meeting room.

When entering the interview room, there is a sequence of steps you take to show proper manners:

Knock 3 times and wait for a response
When entering, say 失礼します(shitsureishimasu) and close the door gently
Greet them with a bow and a brief self-introduction はじめまして、__ともうします(hajimemashite __to moushimasu) which means something like, “nice to meet you, my name is __”
You will be offered a seat, but before sitting again, say “shitsurei shimasu”
Take off your jacket, and if you have a bag, place it somewhere next to you (like another chair), but do not place it on a table.

Quick Tip: Make sure your phone is on silent mode or turned off! You don’t want the interview to be interrupted by an alarm, an incoming phone call, or anything else your phone might do. It could also come off as rude.

Common Japanese job interview manners

So, now we will go over common etiquette to follow throughout the interview, including posture, language, and brief self-introductions.

Using keigo

Generally, you should speak in keigo especially if the role you’re applying for requires business-level Japanese. In many cases, teineigo or the desu and masu form is sufficient. However, try to avoid very casual language or overly direct language.

Like in interviews in other countries, keep general interview etiquette in mind, sound excited to join, and ask questions about the company. Avoid going straight to discussions about salary as this will not give off the best impression. Check out some useful phrases used in Japanese job interviews.

If you want to improve and practice business Japanese, please check out Coto Academy’s Business Japanese Courses.

Body language and posture

You may be nervous during your interview, and that’s okay! Try to relax and be yourself and focus on being sincere and answering each interview question honestly. Don’t overthink. Sit straight and look confident. Here are just a few tips to give off the best impression possible:

1. Avoid crossing your arms and legs

This could give off a somewhat disrespectful impression.

2. Avoid slouching

This also doesn’t give the best impression. It can make you look like you are not too serious about the company and may even affect your confidence, or at least how it’s portrayed.

3. Maintain eye contact

You want to give the interviewer your undivided attention and show you are valuing their time.

4. Keep your hands on your lap or above the table if there is one

You want to avoid putting your hands in your pockets or ending up crossing your arms. There are no specific rules but you don’t want to fall into habits that could unintentionally diminish the impression you want to give.

5. Be sincere and answer honestly

This is probably the most important aspect of the impression you will have on your interviewers. They just want to know if your background and personality will be a good fit for the company. So, let your sincerity take the lead here.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for further clarification

There may be times when they speak rather fast or go through something that you didn’t quite catch. People might hesitate to ask to clarify or have the interviewer repeat themselves but don’t worry it’s not rude and it shows your sincere interest in understanding the company better.

7. Be natural!

This may sound obvious but often we find ourselves overthinking and trying to do everything perfectly. All you’re trying to do is show how you are as a person to work with. So, just be yourself and show that you are sincerely interested in the company.

Introducing yourself during the job interview

a man in the middle of an interview session

You may have introduced yourself earlier in the job interview, but when they ask you to introduce yourself after everyone has settled in, the interview questioning has begun. So, you will need to provide a longer self-introduction that generally includes the following:

Your name and age.
When you came to Japan and how long you have been here.
Your current university or when you graduated from university. You should also include your major and what you studied. If you already have work experience, you should focus more on the roles you have done.
Your most recent work or internship experience.
A brief description discussing why you applied for the company.
Briefly mention hobbies or something about yourself

For more details about making an amazing self-introduction, read our introduction to jikoshoukai blog!

How to wrap up your job interview in Japan

Even if you’re at the end of your interview, you should not throw all etiquette out the window! Japanese interviews do not end until you walk out the door. So, once the interviewer announces that everything has concluded, you can remain seated and bow, saying ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu).

Afterward, you will generally follow these customs:

They will give you a business card which you must take with both hands and then place neatly in your bag. Exchanging business cards is a serious ordeal in Japan. You can read more about how to exchange meishi here.
When you are ready to leave, you can stand up and bow, then you head to the door turn around and bow again saying 失礼します (shitsureishimasu)
Close the door quietly after leaving.
It is not uncommon for interviewers or receptionists to walk you to the door or elevator, and right before you depart, you can say thank you again, followed by 「失礼します」while bowing.

What questions are they going to ask in Japanese interviews? Find out about key questions you are likely going to be asked in Japanese interviews!

Conclusion: Japanese Interview Etiquette is about Good Impressions

It’s normal to be nervous about doing Japanese job interviews, especially in a foreign country like Japan. Focus on being yourself and highlighting the best parts of you!

We hope you can use this guide to be aware of common Japanese etiquette to enhance your impression of your potential employers. We know job hunting is already difficult even without the extra rules of interview manners, but as you keep practicing, it’ll become second nature to you!

If you want to practice business Japanese, sign up for Coto’s Business Japanese classes where you do mock interviews and practice speaking Japanese for work!

FAQ

When should I arrive at a Japanese Job interview?

It is proper etiquette to arrive sometime between 5 and 15 minutes before the interview begins. You do not want to be too early or too late.

What should I wear for Japanese interviews?

The common etiquette is a dark suit and tie for men and for women a blouse, jacket, and dress skirt or pants.

How long are Japanese interviews usually?

Interviews usually range from 30 minutes to 1 hour. They can go on for longer depending on how much time the interviewers have and how quickly you go through the questions.

What is considered rude in a Japanese interview?

Quite a few things could be considered rude, such as arriving late, wearing inappropriate clothes, putting your feet on the furniture, and using casual language. Just keep general manners in mind, dress for the occasion, and show respect for your interviewers, such as using polite language.

How can I best impress my interviewers?

Understanding and displaying proper Japanese etiquette will give a great impression to the interviewers. But just as importantly, you should show your sincerity and passion for the role and company.

What is interview in Japanese?

“Interview” in Japanese is 面接 (mensetsu), commonly used for job or school interview.

Business Japanese can almost feel like an entirely different language. When you first start learning it, it might seem like you’re starting Japanese from scratch all over again. However, once you become familiar you’ll notice that there are a handful of common corporate-specific Japanese words used repeatedly.

For some, business Japanese phrases might seem unimportant or something only advanced learners need to know. But if you plan to work in Japan or communicate with Japanese clients someday, it’s best to start learning these phrases as early as possible. To help you get started, we’ve gathered around 15 essential phrases that will guide you in navigating Japanese business culture and speaking appropriately in an office setting.

Join 3-month Business Japanese Course

Using Keigo in the Japanese Business Environment

The Japanese business language is fundamentally based on keigo (honorific language). This is often why many people struggle to understand service staff when they first arrive in Japan, even if they have studied Japanese. Essentially, keigo consists of special verb conjugations and expressions used to speak humbly about yourself or respectfully honor others.

There are 3 main forms of keigo:

Teineigo (丁寧語): The most basic form, basically the です (desu) and ます (masu) conjugation.
Sonkeigo (尊敬語): Language used to show respect when speaking about the listener. It elevates the status of the other person by using special verbs, expressions, and conjugations.
Kenjougo (謙譲語): Language used to show humility when speaking about yourself. It is used to lower the speaker’s own position or actions in order to show respect towards the other party.

We have a detailed breakdown of Japanese Keigo if you need a further introduction. For now, we will discuss the keigo you might notice in our list of business phrases:

Common Keigo In Business

So, here are common keigo conjugations that you might find in the phrases on this list.

Standard/Textbook Form	Keigo	English
する suru	致す itasu	To do
いる iru	おります orimasu	Exist / is there / present
まらう morau / あげる ageru	頂きます itadakimasu	Receive / give

What Is Business Japanese?

How is business Japanese different from standard Japanese? Generally speaking, business Japanese refers to a very polite and formal form of Japanese (sonkeigo and kenjougo) since that is ideal for business situations. In Japan, social hierarchy is very important and within your company, it is important to show respect to your superiors. But also when dealing with clients, you often use language that holds them in higher regard to show appreciation for their time and consideration in working with you.

Keigo can be used outside of business, perhaps to your coach, martial arts instructor, mayor, president, or anyone who is in a higher social position. While business Japanese mostly uses keigo, not every phrase commonly used in business is necessarily keigo.

So, the Japanese business phrases on this list are just common expressions you can use for business settings (keigo or not). However, many of the phrases on this list could work for other contexts beyond business.

If you would like to practice Business Japanese, please check out our Business Japanese courses!

Useful Japanese Business Phrases

We felt that these were some of the most useful and common Japanese business phrases to pick up for working in Japan. Unfortunately, there is no great English equivalent for many of these phrases, but they do have specific uses. So, we will describe their specific uses so you can understand when and how to use these phrases.

1. よろしくお願い致します (Yoroshiku Onegaiitashimasu)

Furigana: よろしくおねがいいたします

Meaning: Thank you for your support.

You have probably learnt this one for when you introduce yourself; however, it’s a very versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of Japanese business scenarios. This phrase can mean any of the following:

Thank you for your cooperation
Please be patient with me
Please take care of me
Thank you in advanced

Oftentimes after a meeting with a client or colleague, you say this phrase as a formality to either express your gratitude for cooperating or even being patient with you.

2. お世話になっております (Osewa Ni Natte Orimasu)

Furigana: おせわになっております

Meaning: Thank you for your support

お世話になっております (Osewa ni natte orimasu) is a very common and polite Japanese phrase used especially in business settings. It literally means “I am being taken care of” or “I am in your care,” but it’s often translated as “Thank you for your support.” You usually use this phrase at the beginning of a business Japanese email and call.

Example:

お世話(せわ)になっております。会議(かいぎ)に参加(さんか)して頂(いただ)いてありがとうございます。
Osewa ni natte orimasu. Kaigi ni sanka shite itadaite arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you for your continued cooperation with us and for joining our meeting.

3. 承知致しました (Shouchi Itashimashita)

Furigana: しょうちいたしました

Meaning: I understand.

Unlike the casual わかった (wakatta) or the more neutral わかりました (wakarimashita), 承知いたしました shows a higher level of respect and humility, making it appropriate in formal business settings. Shouchi itashimashita is a very polite way of saying “understood”, “certainly”, or “got it”. It is most commonly used in response to a request from your boss or even your senpai.

Example:

上司：ジョンさん、ホームページの文章を英訳(えいやく)してください。
Doushi: Jon-san, hoomu peeji no bunshou wo eiyaku shite kudasai.
Boss: John, please translate the home page text into English.

ジョン：承知致しました。
Jon: Shoushi shimashita.
John: Understood, will do.

4. お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama Desu)

Furigana: おつかれさまです

Meaning: Thank you for your hard work.

You might recognize 疲れる (tsukareru) in this expression, meaning to be tired; however, お疲れ様です implies a meaning closer to “good work” or “good job”. You often use this expression as a way of saying “goodbye” to colleagues while showing gratitude for their hard work, an important custom in Japan.

Learn more about how to use otsukaresama desu.

Example:

お疲れ様です！
Otsukare sama desu!
Great job today!

5. 失礼します (Shitsurei Shimasu)

Furigana: しつれいします

Meaning: Excuse me.

You use shitsurei shimasu as a very polite way to say “excuse me” or “pardon me”. It is similar to すみません sumimasen, but it’s used in different contexts. You usually would say 失礼します when you enter a room, end a call, or leave the office before your colleagues.

It used to be frowned upon to leave the office before any of your colleagues; however, this unsaid work rule is fading in favor of a greater work/life balance. So you can say this phrase to show consideration to your colleagues who are still working.

Example:

お先に失礼します.
Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu

Pardon my rudeness for leaving before you.

6. 恐れ入りますが (Osore Irimasu Ga)

Furigana: 恐れ入りますが

Meaning: Sorry to bother you.

恐れ入りますが (Osore irimasu ga) is a very polite expression often used to say “sorry to bother you” or “excuse me.” It conveys humility and respect, acknowledging that you are asking for someone’s time or attention. This phrase is commonly used before making a polite request, especially in business or formal situations, to soften the request and show consideration for the listener.

Example:

恐れ入りますが、こちらのEメールを確認して頂いてよろしいでしょうか?
Osore irimasuga, kochira no emeeru wo kakunin shite itadaite yoroshiideshouka?

I’m so sorry to bother you, but can you check this email I wrote?

7. 差し支えなければ (Sashi Tsukae Nareba)

Furigana: さしつかえなれば

Meaning: If it is not inconvenient…

Saying さしつかえなければ is similar to saying “if you don’t mind”. It’s a formal expression for delicately making proposals or asking permission

Example:

差し支えなければ、今週(こんしゅう)の予定(よてい)を伺(うかが)ってもよろしいですか？

Sashitsenareba konshou no yotei o ukagattemo yoroshii desuka?

If you don’t mind, may I ask about your schedule this week?

8. ただいま確認致します(Tadaima Kakunin Itashimasu)

Furigana: ただいまかくにんいたします/ごかくにんおねがいいたします

Meaning: I am confirming now.

“Tadaima kakunin itashimasu” is a way to politely express that you need to check or confirm something. But when you want to ask someone to check or confirm your request, then you can say “go kakunin onegai itashimasu.”

Example:

ただいま8月(がつ)の予定(よてい)を確認(かくにん)致(いた)します。

Tadaima chiimu no hachigatsu no yotei o kakunin itashimasu

I will check my schedule for August.

9. ご存知です (Gozonji Desu)

Furigana: ごぞんじです

Meaning: I know

ご存知です (Gozonji desu) is a polite and respectful way to say “know” in Japanese. It is the 尊敬語 (sonkeigo), or honorific form, of the verb 知る (shiru), which means “to know.” This form is used when referring to the knowledge or awareness of someone you want to show respect to, such as your boss, clients, or other superiors.

Because it is an honorific expression, ご存知です is never used when talking about your own knowledge. You use ご存知です to respectfully indicate that someone of higher status is aware of or knows something.

Example:

社長はこのプロジェクトをご存知ですか？
Shachou wa kono purojekuto o gozonji desu ka?
Does the company president know about this project?

ご存知の通り、明日は休業日です。
Gozonji no toori, ashita wa kyuugyoubi desu.
As you know, tomorrow is a holiday.

10. 少々お待ちください (Shoushou Omachi Kudasai)

Furigana: 少々お待ちください

Meaning: Please wait a moment.

This is a very formal way of saying “please wait a moment”. It is considered even more polite than saying ちょっとまってください (chotto matte kudasai), which you may have learnt. You often use this expression on phone calls or when you need to briefly pause the conversation.

Example:

ただいま確認(かくにん)致(いた)します。少々(しょうしょう)お待(ま)ちください。

Tadaima kakunin itashimasu. Shoushou o machi kudasai

Please wait a moment while I make a confirmation.

11. 〜頂きありがとうございます (Itadaki Arigatou Gozaimasu)

Furigana: 〜いただきありがとうございます

Meaning: Thank you for…

This is a very respectful way of saying “Thank you for..” It’s a humble and polite way to express gratitude for something you have been given, such as help, a gift, or a favor.

This grammar pattern can be attached to the stem of another verb to express “to humbly receive the action of someone doing something for me.” For example, 教えて頂く means “to humbly receive teaching” or “to be taught.”

Structure	Meaning	Example (Japanese)	Meaning Example
Noun + を + 頂く	Humbly receive something	お電話を頂く	Humbly receive a phone call
Verb stem + 頂く	Humbly receive an action	教えて頂く	Humbly receive teaching

Example:

お電話頂きありがとうございます。

Odenwa itadaki arigatou gozaimasu.

Thank you for calling.

Check out more ways to say thank you in Japanese.

12. ご検討ください (Gokentou Kudasai)

Furigana: ごけんとうください

Meaning: Please consider.

We mentioned that some business Japanese phrases don’t necessarily use keigo but instead rely on specific word choices. 検討 (kentou) is one such example!

Both 検討 and 考える (kangaeru) mean “to think” or “to consider,” but they differ in nuance and usage. 検討 refers to carefully examining or reviewing something in detail, often in formal or business contexts. In contrast, 考える is a more general and casual word used for thinking or reflecting on ideas, plans, or problems in everyday situations.

You can use this to politely request your client, colleague, or even boss to kindly consider something for you from deals, proposals, or requests.

Example:

提案をご検討ください

Boku no teian o gokentou kudasai

Please consider my proposal.

13. 申し訳ないです (Moushi Wakenai Desu)

Furigana: もうしわけないです

Meaning: I am sorry.

This Japanese phrase is considered the most polite way to apologize. There will definitely be times you will need to apologize when working in Japan, so you can use this phrase for just about any circumstance. For an even more formal version, you can say 申し訳ございません (moushi wake gozaimasen).

Example:

会議に5分間遅れて申し訳(わけ)ないです。

Kaigi ni go hunkan okurete moushi wake naidesu.

I apologize for being 5 minutes late to the meeting.

14. ご連絡ありがとうございます (Go Renraku Arigatou Gozaimasu)

Furigana: ごれんらくありがとうございます

Meaning: Thank you for letting me know.

Needless to say, you will often need to be contacted when you are working in Japan. So, whenever you pick up the phone or respond to an email, you can respectfully show your gratitude with this phrase.

Example:

直接電話でご連絡ありがとうございます。

Chokusetsu denwade gorenraku arigatou gozaimasu.

Thank you very much for directly contacting me by phone.

15. 少しお時間よろしいでしょうか？(Sukoshi Ojikan Yoroshii Deshouka?)

Furigana: すこしおじかんよろしいでしょうか？

Meaning: Do you have a moment?

In Japan, the culture of ホウレンソウ (horenso)—which stands for reporting, notifying, and consulting—is widely practiced in workplaces. When you need time to horenso with your manager without setting a formal meeting, or want to ask for their time to discuss something briefly, you can use this phrase.

This phrase is roughly equivalent to saying “Do you have a moment?” but it is very polite. You can use it to politely ask someone on the phone if it’s a good time to talk, or in person if you want to speak with them briefly.

Example:

少し伺いたいことがありますので、お時間よろしいでしょうか？

Sukoshi ukagaitai koto ga arimasunode, ojikan yoroshiideshouka?

I have something I would like to ask you real quick. Do you have a moment now?

Closing Thoughts

Business Japanese can be quite overwhelming at first, but with these phrases to start, you will get used to the different expressions used in business. These are 15 of the most common Japanese business phrases that you will hear and need to use. So, try to remember some of them and start practicing speaking Japanese for a career in Japan!

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FAQ

How is business Japanese different from standard Japanese?

Business Japanese differs from everyday conversational Japanese due to its emphasis on Keigo or language used to convey greater respect to others. Keigo uses conjugations of words you wouldn’t typically employ in casual conversation with family and friends.

How do you formally introduce yourself for business in Japan?

To formally introduce yourself you could say, ジョンと申します。But in an interview or business setting, you should provide a full 自己紹介 or self introduction. It should include your name, age, country of origin, school or university, and most recent experience.

What is the term service staff say when you enter a store?

They say いらっしゃいませ which is a very respectful way to say “welcome!”.

Do I need to use keigo with everyone I work with?

It’s standard in Japan to use keigo as much as possible with your superiors, bosses, and especially clients. With your fellow colleagues and subordinates, you don’t need to use it as much. Of course, it does depend on the company and your relationship with each person.

What does “Osewa ni natte orimasu” mean?

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ください (kudasai) and おねがいします (onegaishimasu) are one of the first phrases you’ll hear when you’re studying Japanese, typically used to ask for a favor or request. Their versatility — not to mention their relation to Japan’s culture of politeness and humility — is the reason you’ll find Japanese people using them a lot.

In essence, both words mean “please,” and it’s easy to use them interchangeably. Sure, in English, there’s only one way to say “please”, but in Japanese, it is a bit different. ください and おねがいします, but their contextual meaning and how to use them are different. .

This little semantic difference is backed by years and years of cultural preference. Beyond a simple translation, they are selectively used depending on the tone, context and sentence structure you’re going for. So when and how do you use kudasai and onegaishimasu separately? Continue reading in this blog!

Before we go further into the article, note that this article will use hiragana, so prior knowledge of them is a must. If you’re still learning them, don’t worry. Take a look at our hiragana chart to review them.

Jump to:

The Literal Meaning of Kudasai and Onegaishimasu
Contextual Meaning of Kudasai (ください)
Contextual Meaning of Onegaishimasu (おねがいします)
How to Use Kudasai (ください)
How to Use Onegaishimasu (おねがいします)

The Literal Meaning of Kudasai and Onegaishimasu

ください or 下さい is derived from the verb くださる, which means to ”give me”. It is the humble honorific verb that means the same as くれる. Following this, ください is used when you want to get something from the other speaker or party. In English, we can translate it to “Please give me (this).” Thus the verb is describing the action of the “requester”

On the other hand, おねがいします or お願いします comes from the word 願い・ねがい, which means “wish” or “hope“. When you use おねがいします, you are basically asking someone to humbly do you a favor. Think of it as describing the action of the requestor. When used to tell someone to do something with おねがいします, it becomes less of a wish and more of an instruction (“to request”). When you are saying おねがいします, you are literally saying either “I’d like that” or “I beg of you.”

To get a better picture of how these two phrases differ, check out the example sentences.

ラーメン　を　ひとつください。
Give me one (bowl) of ramen.

サラダ　を　お願いします。
さらだ　を　おねがいします。
Salad, please.

Now that you know the literal meaning, let’s get into both words’ contextual implications.

Contextual Meaning of Kudasai (ください)

1. ください is used when asking something for yourself (or your group)

While these two words can be roughly translated as “please”, ください is used to make a request for something you are entitled to. In other words, you can’t use kudasai on someone’s behalf.

For example, Nをください translates to “Please give me N.” Take a look at a simple example below.

A：これ　を　ください (Please give me this)。
B：はい (Yes)。

2. ください is used to ask someone who is equal or below your social status

In Japan and its society, rank is important, and your position will determine the degree of politeness. This is why keigo (humble Japanese form used in business or work) is a big part of Japanese culture.

A teacher who is requesting something from their student will use ください instead of おねがいします because, having to bear the higher title, they can speak more casually. The same can be said when you are a guest (お客さま) ordering at a store or a restaurant.

You wouldn’t want to use “kudasai” to your manager or supervisor. Instead, you use it for making a request to a friend or someone who has a lower social status, like your こうはい (your junior at work or school).

鉛筆　を　ください
えんぴつ　を　ください
Give me the pencil.

Notice that in these example sentences, ください feels more like a command, closer to order. ください’s blatancy can feel awkward when it’s used to someone with a higher social status.

3. ください is used for only concrete or tangible things

You can only use ～をください for concrete things. For things like an understanding, explanation or other non-tangible requests, opt for おねがいします instead.

You can, however, tie the object with a verb (~te form) and add ください. Take a look at the example below.

説明　を　下さい。
せつめい　を　ください。
Explain, please (wrong).

説明して下さい。
せつめいしてください。
Please explain (correct).

4. ください is more casual when requesting an object

Simply speaking, ください has a more casual (not to be mistaken as rude) tone than おねがいします. It implies a demand and want, rather than a wish or request.

The same way Japanese men and women uses different suffix (kun, chan or san) and first-and-second pronouns (watashi, ore or boku), you’ll tend to hear men use ください more often than women.

水　を　ください
みず　を　ください
Give me (a glass of) water.

5. ください can be used to make formal commands

You can’t use onegaishimasu for commands, but you can use kudasai to do an action using the ~て formula. This is because “kudasai” can be used with a verb.

Keep in mind that ください is a less polite way of requesting an object (something tangible), but when it comes to making an order, it is considered polite. Take a look at the example below.

座ってください。
すわってください。
Please take a seat.

食べてください。
たべてください。
Please eat.

ちょっと待ってください。
ちょっとまってください。
Please wait a moment.

To make the command more casual (be careful when using it), you can omit the ください.

ちょっと待ってね。
ちょっとまってね
Wait.

Note that you can use a verb with onegaishimasu, but you have to change the verb into a noun. In this case, adding の (no) after it nominalizes a verb.

Contextual Meaning of Onegaishimasu (おねがいします)

1. おねがいします is used to make requests for someone who is higher than you or a stranger

Onegaishimasu has a more passive and humble tone to it. In fact, you’ll find おねがいします partnered together in other formal phrases: when you meet someone, when you reply to a mail or when you’re working together. It’s more commonly used to request a favor from a superior or someone you don’t know. This is because おねがいします is closer to “I beg of you” than “would you please.”

水をください。
みずをください。
(Give me) water, please.

水をお願いします。
みずをおねがいします
(A glass of) water, please.

Notice that in the example, kudasai feels more direct. This relates to Japanese culture. Japanese people are generally indirect communicators. They may be ambiguous when answering questions and making requests to prevent a loss of face or out of politeness. You can also use ‘kudasai’ for an item, but if you want to be more formal when requesting an object, use おねがいします instead.

If you want to be more humble use, you’d say おねがいいたします. いたします is the most humble form of “do” or する.

3. おねがいします is used when you are requesting a service you can’t fulfill yourself

東京駅　まで　お願いします。
とうきょうえき　まで　おねがいします。
To Tokyo Station, please.

When you’re requesting service for something you can’t do yourself, you mustn’t use kudasai. In the above situation above, you can’t travel to Tokyo Station alone. Instead, you’re asking a taxi driver to do it for you.

4. おねがいします is used for asking to speak to someone on the phone

This is one of the situations where only おねがいします is used (the other being asking for a service). When asking to speak to someone on the phone, you can only use おねがいします. You can’t ask someone to “give” you a person.

田中さんお願いします。
たなかさんおねがいします。
May I speak to Mr. Tanaka?

Similarly, you can’t ask for someone using kudasai as it is considered rude.

べんごしおねがいします。
May I have a lawyer, please.

5. おねがいします can be used to request abstract objects

～をお願いします can be used when you ask for abstract or non-tangible things. This includes explanations, understanding or cooperation.

One of the examples is an expression you’d often hear on train platforms or informal announcements.

ご協力　を　おねがいします。
ごきょうりょく　を　おねがいします。
We ask for your cooperation.

ご理解　を　おねがいします。
ごりかい　を　おねがいします。
We ask for your understanding.

Note that we use “go” ご to add a feeling of politeness. In Japanese, it is common to use the prefixes お and ご when using keigo. If you want to know more about them, check our introduction to Japanese honorific and humble form here.

How to Use Kudasai (ください)

Noun + を + ください

Kudasai (ください) is put after an object and its o particle (を).

Example sentence	English translation
スタンプ(を)ください。	Stamp, please.
カフェラテ(を)ください。	(One) caffe latte, please.
おかわり(を)ください。	Please refill

It’s common in everyday conversation to skip the o (を) particle when using ください.

Verb ~て + ください

For this, you will need to know how to conjugate Japanese verbs into ~te (~て). There are three different conjugation groups, with some irregular verbs that have exceptions to the て form rules. If you haven’t learned them already, we’ve made a separate blog post on how to transform a verb into a ~te verb, complete with handy illustrated cards.

Example sentence	English translation
自分の袋を持ってください。じぶんのふくろをもってください。	Please bring your own bag.
毎日勉強してください。まいにちべんきょうしてください。	Please study every day
写真を撮ってください。しゃしんをとってください。	Please take a picture.

How to Use Onegaishimasu (おねがいします)

Noun + を + おねがいします

Similar to kudasai, おねがいします follows the o particle (を) and the object of the sentence. Remember that while you can replace ください with おねがいします, it depends on the context and social circumstances.

を in ～をおねがいします can be skipped, particularly in spoken conversations.

Example sentence	English translation
よやくをおねがいします。	I want to make a reservation, please.
でんわをおねがいします。	Please make a phone call.
メニューをおねがいします。	(I want to see) the menu, please.

おねがいします can stand alone

はい、お願いします。
Yes, please.

宜しくお願いします。
よろしくおねがいします。
This phrase roughly translates to “I hope things go well” or “I hope you treat me well”.

There are a number of ways to translate the meaning of よろしくおねがいします, but the important point to note is that it is not said with regards to something that has already happened. Instead, it is used as an expression of gratitude, apology, explanation, or expression of something that will happen in the future.

Nominalized verb + おねがいします

To do this, use a plain-form verb and attach it to a の (no)

	Plain form	Verb to noun
to eat	たべる	たべるの
to drink	のむ	のむの
to seat	すわる	すわるの
to go	いく	いくの
to read	よむ	よむの

For the word たべるの, because it essentially becomes a noun, you can use it with おねがいします and do the following:

たべるの(を)おねがいします。

ちょっとまっておねがいします。
Please wait a moment. Wrong.

Although using it is pretty simple, we strongly advise you to say まってください instead.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both are equivalent to “please”, so you’re not going to be wrong no matter which one you use. Just remember that kudasai can be used for a te-form verb. Once you find your footing and preference, using them will be a breeze.

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FAQ

How do you use ください in Japanese?

　”ください” is used to politely request something, like saying “please give me” or “please do” in English.

How to use まで in a sentence?

“まで” means “until” or “up to” and marks the endpoint of time, place, or quantity (e.g., 5時まで = until 5 o’clock).

Do you use ください when ordering food?

Yes, you can use “ください” when ordering food to politely ask for a menu item (e.g., ラーメンをください = Ramen, please).

Why do girls say やめてください?

“やめてください” means “please stop,” and girls (or anyone) use it to politely ask someone to stop doing something unwanted.

Want to learn more Japanese phrases? Read our guide on:

When meeting a new client in Japan, one of the first things you need to do is exchange business cards, known as 名刺 (meishi). In many other countries, business cards are often seen as a formality, or just a way to pass along your name, title, and company info. But in Japan, meishi exchange is almost like a symbolic, ceremonial act.

Because meishi play such an important role in Japanese business culture, the act of exchanging them is surrounded by clear etiquette, expectations, and unspoken rules. So, what exactly makes Japanese business cards so important? Do you really need to carry them when working in Japan? And what’s the proper way to exchange them?

In this article, we’ll walk you through essential meishi etiquette, along with what to avoid, so you can make the right impression from your very first meeting.

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Importance of a Japanese Business Card

a man handing out his japanese business card

By now, you might have noticed the act of exchanging Japanese business cards is far more ritualistic than in most Western cultures. The card doesn’t just represent its owner, but the whole company. Handing over your meishi the wrong way can damage your professional relationships, or, worse, sully your company’s reputation.

Still, did you know that meishi (名刺) is actually a relatively modern concept? According to one story, business cards didn’t truly exist in Japan until the Meiji period (1868–1912). This era marked the end of Japan’s military government and the restoration of imperial rule. The idea of business cards is believed to have been introduced from Western countries during this time and later adopted by Japanese society.

Another narrative suggests that business cards may have entered Japan even earlier. In 1853, during the late Edo period, American black ships arrived in Tokyo Bay. The U.S. representatives on board used printed cards to identify themselves, possibly marking the first time the Japanese encountered Western-style business cards.

One thing is certain: the tradition of using business cards in Japan was originally adopted from Western business culture

It’s also important to understand that meishi fits naturally into Japanese social norms. In cultures where people greet with hugs, kisses, or handshakes, a business card might seem secondary. But in Japan, where physical contact is more restrained, exchanging business cards becomes a vital and respectful way to initiate a professional connection.

What’s in a Japanese Business Card?

At its core, a business card, regardless of culture, serves one essential purpose: to share contact information. While its symbolic meaning may differ from country to country, the meishi (Japanese business card) still fulfills this same practical role.

Here are the key elements typically included on a Japanese business card:

Company Name or Logo (Top Placement): The name or logo of the organization is usually placed at the top of the card and is often the most prominent element.
Your Full Name (Family Name First): Unlike in many Western cultures, the family name is listed before the given name. Furigana (phonetic guides) are often included to indicate pronunciation. If you have a Western name, it’s acceptable to write it in Roman letters, although some choose to use katakana as well.
Job Title and Department: This is usually written below your name. Since Japanese roles can be more generalized, many people also include their department (e.g., 営業部, or Sales Department) instead of just a specific job title.
Company Contact Information: This includes the office address, phone number, and in some cases, a fax number.
Your Direct Contact Details: Typically includes your work email address. In tech and creative fields, it’s becoming more common to add links to personal websites, portfolios, or even social media handles.

As more Japanese companies work with international clients, it’s becoming increasingly common to see dual-sided business cards: one side in Japanese and the other in English. In recent years, some meishi have also started to include QR codes that provide contact details in a machine-readable format. However, this practice is still relatively rare.

Japanese Card Design

If you’re tasked with creating and designing a Japanese business card by your manager, don’t panic! In practical terms, a meishi (Japanese business card) isn’t drastically different from the business cards you may be used to. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

To start, Japanese business cards are slightly larger than their American counterparts. While a standard U.S. business card measures 89 mm x 51 mm (3.5” x 2”), a typical Japanese meishi is usually 91 mm x 55 mm (3.58” x 2”).

Country	Standard Business Card Dimensions
United States, Canada	88.9 mm × 50.8 mm
United Kingdom, France, Germany Netherlands, Spain	85 mm × 55 mm
Japan	91 mm × 55 mm
South Korea	90 mm × 55 mm
China, Singapore, Malaysia	90 mm × 54 mm

Visually, unlike Western business cards, which may allow for more creativity in layout and typography, Japanese meishi tend to follow a more formal structure, placing priority on representing the company before the individual. They also often feature a more minimalistic design, similar to a Japanese rirekisho (resume).

What is Meishi Koukan?

two people exchanging japanese business cards

Meishi koukan (名刺交換) literally means “business card exchange” in Japanese. It refers to the formal process of exchanging business cards, which is a fundamental ritual in Japanese professional culture.

When Do You Do Meishi Koukan?

In Japan, the act of exchanging business cards typically takes place at the very beginning of a meeting or event as a formal way to greet one another. It can happen when you’re visiting someone or they’re visiting you.

Meishi koukan isn’t limited to first-time meetings with new clients. It’s also used when meeting new business partners, collaborators, or anyone you’re engaging with professionally for the first time. While you don’t need to exchange cards again with clients or colleagues you’ve met many times before, there’s an important rule to remember: if someone new joins the meeting — such as a new team member or guest — you should perform meishi koukan with them.

How to Properly Exchange Business Cards in Japan

infographic for order of exchanging japanese business cards

Now that you understand what Japanese business cards (meishi) are and why they matter, it’s time to go over the most important part—how to properly exchange them. After all, you’ve gone through the effort of preparing your cards, so you don’t want to make a mistake during the actual ritual of meishi koukan.

Let’s go step-by-step through the etiquette involved in a proper business card exchange in Japan.

1. Prepare your card in your card holder

Meishi koukan isn’t done with just one person—it’s typically performed with everyone involved from the other party (out-group), such as clients or partners. So always bring multiple cards, not just one.

Use a business card holder (名刺入れ or meishi-ire) to store your cards. Avoid keeping them loose in your pocket (which can appear unprofessional) or in your purse or bag (which can lead to damage). Remember: a card holder not only keeps your cards in good condition, but also shows that you’re prepared and respectful!

Tip: You don’t have to buy a fancy business card holder made of leather. Daiso and other 100-yen Japanese stores sell decent-quality card holders for less than $1.

2. Stand and Face the Person Directly

If you are visiting a client’s office, you may be asked to wait in a designated area or reception room. This is a common courtesy. Once your client arrives, be sure to stand up immediately to greet them. The business card exchange should always be performed while standing and facing the other person directly. This demonstrates attentiveness, professionalism, and respect.

3. Cards are held with both hands, with the text facing the recipient.

When it’s time to give your meishi to the other party, hold the card with both hands at the top two corners, making sure the text is facing the recipient so they can read it immediately. The person receiving your card will take it by the bottom two corners, also using both hands.

Avoid placing your fingers over any important information, such as your name or title. This is considered impolite in Japanese business etiquette. Keep the gesture clean, respectful, and deliberate.

As you present your card, offer a brief introduction. Here’s how you might phrase it:

どうぞ宜しくお願い致します。[Your Name] と申します、[Your Company Name] の [Your Position]です。
Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu. [Your Name] to moushimasu, [Your Company Name] no [Your Position] desu.
Please let me ask for your kind cooperation. My name is [Your Name], [Your Position] at [Your Company].

4. Cards are received with both hands, followed by a bow.

When receiving a meishi, you need to accept it with both hands, holding the card by the bottom two corners. This is simply because you’re showing respect to the person who you’re receiving the card from.

As you do so, it’s polite to say:頂戴いたします (choudai itashimasu) or 頂戴します (choudai shimasu), both meaning “I humbly accept your card.” Follow this with a slight bow to show respect.

If the exchange is between people of different ranks, such as a company president and a mid-level manager, the person of lower status should present their card first, and hold their card slightly lower than the other person’s to demonstrate humility.

5. Acknowledge the card

This might sound a little weird, but after you receive a meishi, don’t just shove it into your pocket and move on. Take a second to actually look at it. Read the person’s name, their company, and their title. It doesn’t need to be dramatic, but giving the card a proper glance shows respect and attention.

Yes, it’s a bit performative, but it’s the good kind of performative! It says, “Hey, I care who you are!”

That said, don’t go overboard. You’re not discovering a hidden artifact in an Indiana Jones movie, so you do not need to gasp or squint like you’re solving a mystery. A thoughtful look and a nod of acknowledgment will do the trick!

6. Put the card where it is visible

If you’re about to sit down, place the card neatly on the table in front of you, preferably above your own notebook or materials.

When the moment feels right (like after introductions are over or the meeting’s wrapped up), you can gently place it into your business card holder. Just never tuck it straight into your pants pocket or wallet! That’s like saying, “Nice to meet you, now into the void you go.” Not a great look.

Dos and Donts of Exchanging Japanese Business Cards

1. Don’t Treat Meishi Casually

In Japan, business cards are treated with the utmost respect. Therefore, avoid handling meishi casually or disrespectfully. This means you should not:

Bend or Fold the Card: Keep it in pristine condition.
Write on the Card: Unless directed, writing on someone’s business card in their presence is considered disrespectful.
Flick or Toss the Card: Hand it over gently and respectfully.

2. Avoid One-Handed Exchange

The correct way to give or receive a business card is with both hands. This shows that you are giving the exchange your full attention and respect. Using one hand can be seen as dismissive or disrespectful.

To complement the guidance on what not to do during a 名刺 (meishi) exchange, let’s explore examples of positive actions and phrases that can be used to demonstrate respect and understanding of Japanese business etiquette. These examples will include how to properly exchange business cards using both hands and the appropriate phrases to accompany the exchange.

3. Don’t Ignore or Place the Card Away Immediately

After receiving a meishi, take a moment to carefully read it and acknowledge the person’s title and affiliation. It’s a sign of disrespect to immediately put the card away in your pocket or bag without giving it due attention.

4. Never Place Cards in Your Back Pocket

Storing a business card in your back pocket is a major faux pas, as sitting on a card is seen as sitting on the person’s face and reputation. Use a business card holder to store received cards.

5. Avoid Initiating Business Talk Right Away

The meishi exchange is a ritual of introduction and respect, not an immediate segue into business discussions. Allow for some time to appreciate the exchange and establish a rapport before diving into business matters.

6. Don’t Fail to Offer Your Own Card

Not reciprocating the gesture of exchanging business cards is considered rude. Always have your meishi ready to offer in return, showing that you value the relationship and the exchange.

7. Do Not Disregard Hierarchical Order

When in a meeting with multiple people, pay attention to the hierarchical structure. Cards should be exchanged with the highest-ranking person first as a sign of respect for the organization’s structure.

To the CEO:

お会いできて光栄です、[CEO’s Name] さん。私の名前は [Your Name] です、[Your Company] のものです。このような機会をいただき、ありがとうございます。
Oaidekite kouei desu, [CEO’s Name]-san. Watashi no namae wa [Your Name] desu, [Your Company] no mono desu. Kono yōna kikai o itadaki, arigatougozaimasu.
It’s an honor to meet you, [CEO’s Name]-san. My name is [Your Name], from [Your Company]. Thank you for this opportunity to discuss our potential collaboration.

While Receiving CEO’s 名刺 (meishi):

ありがとうございます。頂戴いたします。御社について学びつつ、お互いどのような協力ができるのかを探っていきたいと思っております。
Arigatougozaimasu. Choudai itashimasu. Onsha ni tsuite manabitsutsu, otagaido no yōna kyōryoku ga dekiru no ka o sagutte ikitai to omotte orimasu.
Thank you. We will be happy to receive it. I look forward to learning more about your company and exploring how we can cooperate.

8. Don’t Forget to Prepare Sufficient Cards

Running out of business cards can be seen as unprofessional or unprepared. To avoid this situation, ensure you have an ample supply of cards.

By avoiding these not-to-do actions, you demonstrate your respect for Japanese cultural practices and show that you value your professional relationships in Japan. Understanding and adhering to these etiquette rules can significantly impact the success of your business interactions in Japan, paving the way for more fruitful and respectful engagements.

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FAQ

Are there any design guidelines for creating a 名刺 (Meishi)?

Meishi should be professional and clean in design, and it should include essential information like your name, position, company, and contact details. Some people choose to have one side of their meishi in Japanese and the other in their native language.

Can I refuse to accept a 名刺 (meishi)?

Refusing to accept a meishi can be seen as a sign of disrespect. If you are offered a meishi, it is polite to accept it, even if you do not plan to establish a business relationship.

Is it appropriate to exchange meishi outside of business meetings?

While meishi are most commonly exchanged in business settings, they can also be exchanged in more casual professional settings, such as networking events or conferences, to share contact information and make a formal introduction.

Want to work in Japan? Check out our work-related series:

Introduction to Japanese Keigo

The Concept of Uchi and Soto

Japanese Keigo for Beginners

Basic Rules of Keigo

1. Polite Japanese: Teineigo (丁寧語)

2. Honorific Japanese: Sonkeigo (尊敬語)

Humble Keigo: 謙譲語

Japanese Keigo Conjugation

29 Useful Japanese Keigo Phrases for Work

When Should I Use Japanese Keigo?

Speaking Keigo As a Foreigner in Japan

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FAQ

What is Keigo?

Why is Keigo important in Japanese?

What are the main types of Keigo?

When should I use Sonkeigo?

When should I use Kenjougo?

Is Teineigo enough for daily conversations?

Do native speakers always use Keigo perfectly?

How can I practice Keigo?

Is Keigo only for business?

Keigo (敬語) vs Tameguchi (タメ口)

What’s Keigo? Teineigo, Sonkeigo and Kenjougo

When You Shouldn’t Use Keigo

What’s Tameguchi? Casual Japanese Form

When Can You Use Tameguchi?

When Should You Not Use Tameguchi?

Where to Learn — and Not to Learn — Tameguchi

Conclusion

What is tameguchi?

What is keigo?

When should we use keigo?

Japanese Polite Prefixes

Rules of Japanese Honorific Prefixes

Frequent Expressions

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Can I Really Work in Japan Without Knowing Any Japanese?

English-speaking Jobs in Japan With No Japanese Required

1. Recruiter and Consultant Job in Japan

2. Creative and Marketing Roles in Japan

3. Real Estate Jobs in Japan

4. English Teaching Jobs in Japan

1. ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)

2. Eikaiwa Teacher

3. Private school or university teacher

5. IT and Tech Engineer Jobs in Japan

6. Hospitality Jobs in Japan

7. Customer Service Positions in Japan

8. Graphic, Product, or Creative Designer Career in Japan

9. Study Abroad Staff in Japan

Where to Find Jobs in Japan that Don’t Require Japanese

Want to Boost Your Career in Japan? Take Japanese Lessons at Coto Academy

FAQ

Can I get a job in Japan if I don’t speak Japanese?

What kind of jobs in Japan don’t require Japanese?

Do I need a visa to work in Japan without speaking Japanese?

How can I find jobs in Japan that don’t require Japanese?

Where can I study Business Japanese?

Coto Japanese Academy Iidabashi

1. Business Japanese Course

2. JLPT 3-month Intensive Course

3. Total Beginner Course

Coto Academy Yokohama

1. Part-time Course for Beginners

2. Bridge to Intermediate

3. Essential Grammar and Conversation

Coto Academy Online

1. Practical Japanese for Beginners (Part-time)

2. Lite Intensive Beginner 2 (Lite Intensive)

3. N4 Grammar and Conversation (Part-time Essential Grammar & Conversation)

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FAQ

What is the difference between the part-time and lite intensive courses?

Where are the physical school locations of Coto Academy?

Does Coto Academy offer weekend and evening lessons?

How do I join Coto Academy’s online school?

Can I start taking Japanese lessons anytime?

How much do lessons cost?

**When Should You Not Use Tameguchi**?