10 Essential Japanese Phrases for First Business Meetings
- da shino
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Why First Impressions Matter in Japanese Business Culture
In the world of business, the first impression can make or break future relationships. This is especially true in Japan, where communication is deeply rooted in politeness, hierarchy, and subtlety.
If you’re doing business in Japan or planning to work with Japanese companies, knowing how to greet someone properly during your first meeting is critical. This article provides 10 essential business Japanese phrases for first-time interactions, complete with context, practical usage, and cultural notes.
Whether you’re a Japanese learner or a non-Japanese businessperson, this guide will help you earn trust and build rapport from day one.
Contents
What Makes First Meetings in Japan Unique?
10 Business Japanese Phrases You Can Use Today
How to Adapt These Phrases to Different Situations
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make
Practice Example: Business Role Play
Final Tips: Natural, Respectful Communication Wins
1. What Makes First Business Meetings in Japan Unique?
➤ Cultural Emphasis on Respect and Humility
Unlike Western countries where a firm handshake and confident pitch might be the focus, Japanese first meetings prioritize respect and social harmony. You are expected to show humility, gratitude, and formality—especially in language.
Here’s what Japanese professionals look for:
Proper honorific speech (keigo)
Formal greetings and structured self-introduction
Deference to hierarchy and seniority
Non-verbal cues such as bowing, posture, and eye contact
By using polite Japanese phrases correctly, you show cultural intelligence and professionalism—two key components to winning trust in Japan.
2. 10 Business Japanese Phrases for First-Time Meetings
These ten phrases are widely used in Japanese corporate settings. Learn them well and practice with confidence.
①「初めまして。〇〇（会社名）の△△と申します。」
Hajimemashite. ___ (Company) no ___ to mōshimasu.
“Nice to meet you. I’m ___ from ___.”
✅ A basic self-introduction with honorific "申します" (mōshimasu) instead of the casual "desu." Always include your company name.
②「本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。」
Honjitsu wa ojikan o itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu.
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.”
✅ Shows appreciation and respect for their schedule—especially important in Japan where time is treated with utmost respect.
③「お目にかかれて光栄です。」
O-me ni kakarete kōei desu.
“It’s an honor to meet you.”
✅ Suitable when meeting senior executives or prestigious clients. More formal than "hajimemashite" alone.
④「以前よりお名前は伺っておりました。」
Izen yori o-namae wa ukagatte orimashita.
“I’ve heard your name before.”
✅ Subtly flatters the other party while showing you've done your research.
⑤「どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。」
Dōzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
“I look forward to working with you.”
✅ A universally accepted polite phrase to close any introduction.
⑥「今後ともよろしくお願いいたします。」
Kongo tomo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
“I hope for your continued support and cooperation.”
✅ Signals your intent for long-term partnership. Especially useful at the end of meetings.
⑦「簡単に自己紹介させていただきます。」
Kantan ni jikoshōkai sasete itadakimasu.
“Allow me to briefly introduce myself.”
✅ Great opening for presentations or small group meetings.
⑧「本日は貴重なお話を聞かせていただけると伺っております。」
Honjitsu wa kichō na ohanashi o kikasete itadakeru to ukagatte orimasu.
“I heard we’ll have the chance to hear your valuable insights today.”
✅ Shows humility and anticipates the value of the meeting. Polished and professional.
⑨「ご指導・ご鞭撻のほど、よろしくお願いいたします。」
Go-shidō go-bentatsu no hodo, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
“I appreciate your guidance and support.”
✅ Best used when meeting mentors, managers, or industry veterans.
⑩「ご多忙の中、お時間をいただきありがとうございます。」
Go-tabō no naka, ojikan o itadaki arigatō gozaimasu.
“Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule.”
✅ A respectful way to acknowledge the value of your counterpart’s time.
3. How to Use These Phrases in Real Scenarios
Scenario | Suggested Phrase | Notes |
First time meeting with client | ① + ⑤ | Self-introduction + closing |
Meeting with a senior executive | ③ + ⑩ | Formal tone is essential |
Beginning a presentation | ⑦ + ② | Establish tone and gratitude |
Follow-up visit or call | ④ + ⑥ | Build rapport and continuity |
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | How to Fix It |
Using casual Japanese | May be seen as rude or unprofessional | Always default to honorific language |
Forgetting to bow or introduce yourself | Leaves a weak impression | Prepare your intro in advance |
Rushing through phrases | Sounds robotic or insincere | Speak slowly and clearly with intent |
5. Practice: Role Play Example
You (foreign businessperson):「初めまして。グローバルテック株式会社のアレックス・リーと申します。本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。」
(“Nice to meet you. I’m Alex Lee from GlobalTech Co., Ltd. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.”)
Client (Japanese manager):「こちらこそ、ご足労いただきありがとうございます。」
(“Thank you as well for coming all this way.”)
You:「以前より御社のお名前は伺っておりました。お目にかかれて光栄です。」
(“I’ve heard of your company before. It’s an honor to meet you.”)
✅ With this level of politeness and fluency, you’ll make a strong first impression.
6. Final Tips: Be Polite, But Be Yourself
Here’s how to balance politeness and authenticity in Japanese business:
Use formal phrases at first, then adjust based on the atmosphere.
Smile and bow lightly—not too deep unless they do it first.
Avoid over-apologizing or underestimating your value.
Practice phrases aloud so they become natural in real situations.
Remember: language shows respect, but tone and attitude build trust.
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