Search Icon
Menu Icon
Menu Close icon

How to introduce yourself in Japanese! 5 tips for leaving a good impression and example sentences for different situations.

update date
This site introduces products through an affiliate program.
Introductory remarks

Encounters in Japan begin with self-introductions. This is a very important opportunity for the other person to remember your face and name. Your choice of words and behavior during self-introductions will greatly affect the impression you make on the other person.

In this article, we will explain in simple terms how to introduce yourself to foreigners in Japan to make a good impression, useful tips, and example sentences for different situations.

▼Goandup Picks Click here for recommended articles!

What is self-introduction (jikosyoukai)?

Self-introduction is the process of introducing yourself to someone you are meeting for the first time. A basic self-introduction begins with a greeting, introduces your name and where you are from, and ends with a bow.

If you are able to make a good impression by introducing yourself and getting others to know your face and name, you have successfully introduced yourself.

Even if you are not fluent in Japanese or are studying Japanese, you will be remembered and make a good impression on Japanese people if you introduce yourself in Japanese rather than speaking in your native language.

Even in other countries, people introduce themselves to new acquaintances, but because of differences in customs and culture, it is best to learn how to introduce oneself in Japan.

5 tips for introducing yourself (jikosyoukai) to make a good impression

The following five points will help you make a good impression on others when introducing yourself in Japan.

  1. Look up and smile.
  2. Easy-to-hear speaking voice and speed.
  3. Look them in the eye with correct posture, hands to the side.
  4. In about a minute.
  5. Best to bow, not shake hands.

1. face up and smile

When introducing yourself, it is extremely important to smile and look up when you speak. If you keep your face down, you miss the opportunity to make others remember you. Furthermore, a lack of facial expression can give the impression of unkindness.

Even if your Japanese is not good, you can make a good impression on others if you can introduce yourself with a smile on your face.

2. with an easy-to-understand speaking voice and speed

It is also important to introduce yourself at a volume and speed that is easily audible. Try to speak clearly, especially in situations where there are many listeners.

Also, many Japanese are not good at hearing foreign names, so it is kind to say their names slowly.

3. look the other person in the eye with correct posture and hands in the visible position

When introducing yourself, make sure to speak with the correct posture and look the other person in the eye. Also, do not cross your hands behind your back during self-introductions. If you introduce yourself without looking the other person in the eye, you may be judged as having poor communication skills.

In addition, folding one's hands behind one's back makes one look pompous, so when introducing oneself in Japan, men should put their hands to the side and women should put their hands together in front of them to make a good impression on the other person.

4. in about 1 minute

The basic principle of self-introduction is to keep it short and easy to understand. It should not be too long. Ideally, it should be summarized in about one minute. If you confuse it with self-promotion and spend a long time talking about yourself, people will think that you do not understand the meaning of self-introduction. If you spend too much time talking, people will think that you don't know what self-introduction is all about.

It is said that the number of words you can speak in one minute is about 250 to 300. It is important not to introduce yourself haphazardly, but to write down the items you will talk about in a memo or other written form and practice.

5. it is best to bow, not shake hands

In other countries, people often shake hands when introducing themselves, but Japanese people do not have the custom of shaking hands or hugging. If you suddenly ask for a handshake, you may be surprised.

Therefore, when introducing yourself in Japan, it is best to bow lightly rather than shake hands.

The following is an explanation of how to introduce yourself (jikosyoukai) in Japanese in three different scenarios!

Introducing yourself is an important step in helping others remember your name and face. Sharing not only your name, but also your hometown, school, occupation, etc., makes it more memorable, and it is important to change the content of your self-introduction depending on the occasion.

Here are some specifics on how to introduce yourself in basic, interview, and workplace settings.

1. basic self-introduction and examples

The basic self-introduction process is as follows

  1. a fine thing to say (used as part of a sarcastic response to a rude remark)
  2. Introduce yourself, including your name and hometown
  3. Best regards + bowing

(1) Greetings

Introductions begin with a greeting.

Introductions begin with a greeting based on the time of day. In the morning, "Good morning." In the afternoon, "Good afternoon. Good evening. in the morning, "Good afternoon" in the afternoon, and "Good evening" in the evening.

(2) Introduce yourself

After the greeting, introduce yourself.

First say "Nice to meet you" and then share information about yourself, such as your name, hometown, school, hobbies, and special skills.

(iii) Closing remarks

Finally, finish your introduction by bowing and saying, "Pleased to meet you." and bow to finish the self-introduction.

Example sentences/samples

(Example.)

Hello. Nice to meet you, my name is 00.
(Konnichiwa. hajimemashite, watasi no namae wa00desu.)

I am from 00. I'm from /00.
(syussinchi wa 00desu.)/(00kara kimasita.)

Thank you very much.
(yorosiku onegaishimasu)

(English translation)

Hello, my name is 00.

I'm from 00. /I'm from 00.

Nice to meet you.

2. introducing yourself at the interview

This is how you introduce yourself in an interview.

  1. Provide basic information such as name, age, hometown, and last education
  2. Touching on the purpose of coming to Japan, such as finding a job or studying in Japan, and Japanese language skills
  3. Good day to you" + bow

It is important to introduce yourself at the interview in a polite manner, while following the tips introduced earlier to make a good impression.

(1) Provide basic information such as name, hometown, last school attended, etc.

If you are asked to briefly introduce yourself at an interview, first say your name and other basic information. During the interview, the interviewer will often skip the general greeting and go directly into self-introductions.

(2) Touch on the purpose of coming to Japan, such as finding a job or studying in Japan, and Japanese language skills

Briefly explain your purpose for working or studying in Japan and your Japanese language skills. This is important so that people can understand your personality and language skills.

3) "Thank you for your cooperation today." + Bow

Conclude with, "Pleased to meet you today," and complete your self-introduction with a bow.

If you missed the opportunity to speak at the beginning, don't worry. Even after a long conversation, when asked to introduce yourself, you can show courtesy by simply saying, "Pleased to meet you," and bowing. There is no need to add a prefatory "Good day."

Example sentences/samples

(Example.)

My name is 00.
(watasino namae wa 00desu.)

My hometown is 00. My nationality is 00.
(syussinchi wa 00 desu.)/(kokuseki wa 00 desu.)

I am a graduate of 00 University.
(00daigaku o sotsugyou simasita.)

I majored in business administration at university.
(daigaku dewa keieigaku o senkou site imasita.)

Thank you very much for your time today.
（Honjitsu wa yorosiku onegai itasimasu.)

(English translation)

My name is 00.

I'm from00. /My nationality is00.

I graduated from 00 University.

I was majoring in business administration.

I appreciate you taking the time to meet.

3. self-introduction in the workplace

The process of introducing oneself at work goes like this.

  1. I am pleased to take care of you today." + Name
  2. Talk about any points that appeal to you.
  3. Thank you very much." + Bow

(1) "Thank you for your service today" + name

When introducing yourself at work, begin with "It's nice to meet you today, I'm 00. This shows respect for your new environment.

As with interviews, there is no problem without the "greeting" that was part of the basic self-introduction.

(2) Talk about any points that appeal to you.

Briefly introduce any past work experience, special skills, or other points of personal appeal. This is particularly effective if you have directly relevant experience or skills, but if not, you may omit them.

3) "Pleased to meet you." + Bow

Conclude your introduction by saying, "Pleased to meet you." and conclude your self-introduction with a bow.

Example sentences/samples

(Example.)

My name is 00, and I will be taking care of you from today.
(Kyou kara osewani narimasu, 00to mousimasu.)

I will do my best to become a competitive force as soon as possible.
(hayaku senryokuni nareruyou ganbarimasu.)

Thank you very much.
(douzo yorosiku onegai itasimasu.)

(English translation)

My name is 00. I look forward to working with you.

I'd like to get used to the work so I can contribute more to the team.

Thank you in advance.

For advanced users! List of commonly used canned sentences for self-introductions

Finally, we have compiled a list of items commonly used in self-introductions.

Japanese (language)how to readNative language
Name
Name		My name is John.watasino namae wa jhon desuMy name is John.
Nickname
nickname		Call me Jack.Jack to yonde kudasaiPlease call me Jack.
Birthplace
birthplace		I'm from the U.S.America syussin desuI'm from US.
Nationality
nationality		My nationality is Canadian.kokuseki wa Canada desuNationality is Canada.
Age
age		I'm 30 years old.30 sai desuI'm 30 years old.
Occupation
business		I work for Company A.Asya de hataraite imasuI'm working for Acompany.
Hobby
tastes 		My hobby is watching sports.syumi wa supotsu kansen desuMy hobby is watching sports.
Special skill
special skill		My specialty is piano.tokugi wa piano desuSpecial skill is piano.
Like
Likes.		My favorite food is cake.sukina tabemono wa keki desuMy favorite food is cake.
Dislike
Dislikes		I don't like tomatoes.tomato ga nigate desuI hate tomatoes.
Family
family		Father of three children.sannin no kodomo no chichi desuI'm the father of three children

Serious employment support to help you realize your dream of working in Japan!

Do you want to work in Japan?
Let us "Goandup" make that dream a reality!

【 Program Features 】
✅ JLPT N3 level Japanese language acquisition
✅ Thorough preparation for the specific skills test
✅ Full support for job hunting in Japan

Business-focused one-on-one lessons will help you find a job in Japan in the shortest possible time.

【 Program Menu 】

  • Individual Japanese language lessons
    • Intensive curriculum to obtain N3, especially specialized lessons for business Japanese that can be used at work.

  • Preparation for the Specific Skills Test
    • Customized materials for specific skill tests will be used to focus on frequently asked questions and learning to pass the test.

  • Resume and CV support
    • To create resumes and CVs tailored to Japanese corporate culture, and to brush up on self-promotion and motivation for application.

  • Interview Preparation
    • Guidance on areas for improvement through mock interviews and feedback based on corporate interview scenarios. Learn interview etiquette and behavior unique to Japan.

  • career consulting
    • Provide introductions to companies that match the participant's career goals, select companies to apply to, and provide advice on the level of knowledge required by the companies to which the participant is applying.

  • Chat Support
    • In addition to one-on-one individual lessons, we also accept casual questions via DM (visa application, living support, assistance in finding a room, etc.).

If you are serious about your career in Japan, join us now!

▶︎ for more informationclick here.

We will do our best to support your success in Japan!

summary

In this article, we have explained how to introduce yourself in Japan with example sentences for various situations. Even if you are not confident in your Japanese, you can make a good first impression on others by greeting them cheerfully and with a smile. In addition, depending on the person you are addressing, sometimes it may be difficult for them to catch your name, but even in such cases, do not be in a hurry and always keep smiling.

  • Your support will help us!

  • Thank you for visiting Goandup Picks. Our mission is to provide you with more useful information to show the world what Japan has to offer.

    Your support will help us to further enhance our activities, so please support us!

  • ▶︎ Support is available atclick here!

    • Related Articles

    Goandup Picks for Expats > Japanese Language Study > Basic Japanese and Daily Conversation > How to introduce yourself in Japanese! 5 tips for leaving a good impression and example sentences for different situations.