How to Introduce Yourself in Japanese! Jikoshoukai (自己紹介)

Are you going to live in Japan? Better prepare yourself with a Japanese self-introduction – a jikoshoukai. Early in your Japanese study, this language knowledge will help you establish yourself among Japanese friends and colleagues.

You will need to introduce yourself in Japanese in various contexts (such as school, work, parties, etc.). What should you say? How do you condense everything about yourself into just one or two minutes?

Do not be afraid; we will introduce the way to making a successful Japanese jikoshoukai step by step!

Starting A Conversation by Saying Nice to Meet You

Whether you are preparing to introduce yourself in Japanese to a curious crowd of classmates or an interviewer, saying hello first is very important! Depending on the time of the day, you may say ohayou gozaimasu, Konnichiwa, konbanwa. Do you know the difference? Or you can simply state はじめまして“hajimemashite” – “nice to meet you.”

Watch this video below to learn how to say nice to meet you!

Self-Introduction (Jikoushoukai 自己紹介)

You can politely say your name with the to-be verb “desu” or the verb “to say” (言います). You should use a more formal structure in a more formal context, such as an interview. Note that Japanese people are used to giving their family name first and their given name second.

Casual

• 私の名前はボンド・ジェームズです。
• Watashi nonamae ha bondo jieemuzu desu.
• My name is James bond.

• ボンド・ジェームズです。
• Bondo, jieemuzu desu.
• I am James Bond.

Polite

• ボンド・ジェームズと言います。
• Bondo, jieemuzu to iimasu.
• My name is James Bond.

Formal

• ボンド・ジェームズと申します。
• Bondo, jieemuzu to moushimasu.
• I am James Bond.

Where Are You From? ご出身はどちらですか？

Being a foreigner in Japan constantly stimulates the imagination of the Japanese. Whether you are from Spain, Germany, or Australia, they will more likely give some exotic origins and be surprised to hear the truth. So the next step in your jikoshoukai is to introduce your country and, eventually, your city! Tips: if you are American and wish to precise your state, you will have to use shuu (州, しゅう).

• イギリス（のロンドン）から来ました。
• Igirisu (no rondon) kara kimashita.
• I came from London, England.

• アメリカのカリフォルニア州から来ました。
• Amerika no karifuorunia shuu kara kimashita.
• I came from California, in America.

You can also tell where you are from with the word for origins (出身, しゅっしん), or an even easier way would be to give your nationality by adding jin (人, じん) after a country’s name.

• マドリッド出身です。
• Madoriddo shusshin desu.
• I am from Madrid.

• パリ出身です。
• Pari shusshin desu.
• I am from Paris.

• ドイツ人です。
• Doetsu jin desu.
• I am German.

• インドネシア人です。
• Indoneshia jin desu.
• I am Indonesian.

Why Do You Study Japanese? どうして日本語を勉強しているんですか？

This is the hot point of your introduction. Not only will the Japanese be flattered, but they will be eager to know why you are studying their language. If you are confident enough, you can speak about how long you have studied Japanese, how, where, etc.

• 日本の文化に興味があって、日本語を勉強しています。
• Nihon no bunka ni kyoumi ga atte, nihongo wo benkyou shite imasu.
• I am interested in Japanese culture, so I am studying Japanese.

• 字幕なしでアニメを見たいから、日本語を勉強しています。
• Jimaku nashi de anime o mitaikara, nihongo o benkyō shite imasu.
• I study Japanese because I want to watch anime without the help of subtitles.

Why Are You In Japan? どうして日本に来たんですか？

You could have closed earlier. But giving more details is the recipe for a good jikoshoukai, after which you will proudly answer the crowd’s questions. Many reasons might have led you to live in Tokyo, Kawagoe, or Sapporo. Whether you are in Japan for a short stay out of pure curiosity or a longer commitment, you should say…

• 日本語を勉強するために日本に来ました。
• Nihongo wo benkyou suru tame ni nihon ni kimashita.
• I came to Japan to study Japanese.

• 日本で働きたいから、日本に来ました。
• Nihon de hatarakitaikara, Nihon ni kimashita.
• I came to Japan because I want to work here.

• 旅行できました。
• Ryoko de kimashita.
• I came to travel.

• 卒業旅行できました。
• sotsugyo ryoko de kimashita.
• I came for the graduation trip.

• 新婚旅行できました。
• shinkon ryoko de kimashita.
• I came because of my honeymoon.

Introducing Your Occupation? 日本で何をしていますか？

Whether you are a student or working, the “occupation” has an essential place in Japanese culture. Introducing yourself in Japanese about what you are doing will not be surprising. Students can say that they are studying at a University or in a school or state where they are (university or not) students.

• 大学/学校で勉強しています。
• Daigaku /gakkou de benkyou shite imasu.
• I am studying at a university/school.

• （大）学生です。
• (dai) gakusei desu.
• I am a (university) student.

If you are working, the following examples should help you prepare your introduction:

• エンジニアです。
• Engina desu.
• I work as an engineer.

• 英語の先生です。
• Eigo no sensei desu.
• I am an English teacher.

• 日本の会社で働いています。
• Nihon no kaisha de hataraite imasu.
• I’m working for a Japanese Company.

• 外資系の会社で働いています。
• Gaishikei no kaisha de hataraite imasu.
• I’m working for a global company.

Depending on your level, you can always give a richer jikoshoukai explaining in more detail what you are studying or exactly doing at your workplace.

Introducing Interests and Hobbies

This part would be wise in a friendly context. If you are meeting new people, sharing your passions in Japanese is always enjoyable. You can speak about your hobbies and what you like in various ways, but the two easiest ones are the expression to like (好き, suki) and the word hobby (趣味, shumi).

• 料理好きです。
• Ryouri suki desu.
• I like cooking.

• 趣味はスポーツです。
• Shumi ha supottsu desu.
• My hobby is sport.

• 趣味は漫画を読むことです。
• Shumi ha manga wo yomu koto desu.
• My hobby is to read manga.

The Final Step: よろしく Yoroshiku!

We have spoken before of the wonders of the Japanese yoroshiku onegaishimasu, an expression challenging to translate into other languages. A jikoushokai usually ends with this phrase, meaning in such context that you look forward to the relationship with your new friends.

Casual

• よろしく！
• Yoroshiku!
• Nice to meet you!

Formal

• 今後もどうぞよろしくお願い致します。
• Kongo mo douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
• I look forward to our relationship from now on.

Polite

• どうぞよろしくお願いします。
• Douzo yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
• I look forward to our relationship.

Free Infographics

Etiquette

Proper etiquette is essential for Japanese culture. When introducing yourself in Japanese, your manner should be professional and appropriate.

Japanese people usually do not shake hands in professional settings, so it is usually best to bow instead. People generally bow once at the beginning and the end of their jikoshoukai.

Handshakes are sometimes okay for casual interactions. Make sure to “read the air” of the situation to see if they are appropriate.

In many professional settings, it is best to keep your hands at your sides while you talk. Avoid crossing your arms, if possible!

In the case of business settings, you might also encounter exchanging business cards or meishi 名刺. Here is what you should do:

1. Prepare Your Meishi in Advance: Before the meeting, ensure your meishi are in a cardholder and accessible. This shows organization and respect for the person you are meeting.
2. Present Your Card with Both Hands: Hold your meishi to face the recipient, allowing them to read it easily. Extend it towards them with both hands, typically with the thumb and forefinger of each hand at opposite corners of the card.
3. Introduce Yourself (Jikoshoukai): As you present your card, briefly introduce yourself. 
4. Receiving a Meishi: When someone offers you their meishi, accept it with both hands. It is polite to express your gratitude and acknowledge the receipt:
5. Review the Meishi: After receiving it, take a moment to look at the card carefully. Show interest and respect for the information provided.
6. Properly Store the Meishi: After examining it, place it in your cardholder or a respectful location, not in your pants pocket or anywhere informal.

If you are having a meeting with the person after changing the name card, you should place it on the table on the right or left side during the meeting!

Here are some blogs you can take a look on Japanese manners:

• Japanese Etiquette and Cultural Norms
• Re－れー礼儀（れいぎ）
• Japanese Etiquette: “After You”, どうぞ、お先に (Douzo Osaki ni)

Now You Can Introduce Yourself in Japanese!

Now, you are ready for your very first 自己紹介 jikoshoukai! Always remember that a self-introduction with a group of friends or with your new boss will be different. You can be casual with people your age but should always be formal in a business environment. Be even more prepared to give a strong and polite self-introduction for a job interview! Need more tips on job interviews? Read the following blogs!

• How to write a Japanese resume: The only guide you need + Free PDF template
• A Guide to Self-Introductions in Japanese Job Interviews

Once you’ve learned how to self-introduce yourself in Japanese, we recommend practicing them with immersive Japanese listening conversations. Our Japanese podcasts are a great way to do this. The NHK World Japan Audio Shows also offer excellent listening practice for learners at any level.

FAQ

How do I say "Nice to meet you" in Japanese?

“Hajimemashite” (はじめまして) is the most common way to say “Nice to meet you” in Japanese.

How do I introduce my name in Japanese?

You can use two common phrases:

• “[Name] desu” (〇〇です) – This is the most straightforward way to say “My name is…”
• “[Name] to mōshimasu” (〇〇と申します) – This is a more formal and humble way to introduce your name.

How do I say "I am from…" in Japanese?

You can use the phrase “〇〇から来ました” (〇〇からきました) where “〇〇” is the name of your country or region. For example, “Nihon kara kimashita” means “I am from Japan.”

How formal should my self-introduction be?

The level of formality depends on the situation. A simple introduction is okay in casual settings. However, a more formal introduction is appropriate in more formal settings like job interviews or business meetings.

What are some polite phrases to use in a self-introduction?

Some polite phrases you can use are:

• “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (よろしくお願いします) – This phrase is used to ask for kind treatment or cooperation.
• “Dōzo yoroshiku” (どうぞよろしくお願いします) – This is a more polite way to say the same thing.

Is there a specific order in which one can introduce oneself to Japanese culture?

Generally, you start with a greeting, followed by your name, where you are from, and occupation. You can also add information about your hobbies or interests.

Are there any cultural nuances to be aware of when introducing oneself in Japanese?

Yes, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Bowing: Bowing is a common gesture of respect in Japanese culture. A slight bow is usually sufficient for a casual introduction.
• Eye contact: While maintaining eye contact is essential in many cultures, in Japan, it’s considered polite to avoid prolonged eye contact, especially with people of higher social status.
• Humble language: Using humble language can show respect and humility, especially in formal settings.

Practice introducing yourself in Japanese with Japanese Courses at Coto Japanese Academy!