TCJ Blog

Exchanging 名刺: meishi, or business cards, is often the first step when meeting someone in a business setting. In some countries, it may simply be part of a self-introduction; however, in Japan, its meaning is slightly different. Business card exchange is not just a formal gesture, but an important first step in building a strong professional relationship. In this article, I draw on my experience teaching foreign employees working in Japan to provide a clear explanation of business card exchange—a practice that can often be confusing in professional settings. I will cover its cultural background, specific manners, and how it differs from practices in other countries.

For those considering studying in Japan, attending a language school, or seeking employment in the country, understanding Japan’s unique gestures is essential—not just the language itself. During time spent in Japan, it becomes apparent that these gestures reflect distinctive cultural norms. Hand and body movements can vary significantly depending on language and cultural background. This article explores commonly used gestures among Japanese speakers and highlights how they differ across cultures. We hope this article will support your daily life in Japan.

Do you wish to sound more like a native Japanese speaker? In this article, we introduce listener responses and filler words—key elements of everyday conversation that most grammar textbooks do not cover. Once you get the hang of them, your Japanese will sound more natural and your meaning will come across more smoothly.

When speaking Japanese, honorifics (敬称, keishō) are placed after names, such as -san, -sama, -kun, and -chan. Some of you may wonder, “Is this usage really correct?” There is a wide variety of honorifics, and using them properly is important. Today, we will explore some common Japanese honorifics and their usage—especially in business settings—in an easy and practical way!

The other day, I spoke with a Japanese language learner who owns a shop. They mentioned, “I'm really not good at answering the phone, so I have my Japanese part-time staff handle calls.” In fact, it seems that over half of Japanese people also feel uncomfortable using the phone for work. This time, let's introduce not only phone-related vocabulary but also phone etiquette and conversation phrases useful for handling calls in companies and work settings. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)