The number of foreigners working for Japanese companies is growing as the world gets more global.
It’s valuable to work in a foreign country.
You might find it challenging to communicate, though, because of cultural differences.
In this article, I will describe the Japanese way of speaking and demonstrate how speaking Japanese at work is useful for foreigners.
1. Let’s learn the Japanese language’s foundation.
Indirect Communication
There are two main categories for communication: communication.
1. Direct communication: Clearly state your thoughts.
2. Indirect communication: expressing your thoughts in a clear way.
In Japan, indirect communication is frequently used.
Indirect communication is written in a way that doesn’t clearly state what you’re thinking in order to avoid hurting the other person or speak with politeness.
Foreigners sometimes find it challenging to comprehend because they must consider their intentions.
You should also pay attention to their behavior in this situation and pose questions until you are certain of what they mean.
You might also find it uneasy to say explicitly that your boss or coworkers might not like what you say.
The trick is to convey the message using “cushion words” in these situations.
Words that are cushion examples
- お手数をおかけしますが (I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but…)
Example
When asking a supervisor or colleague to confirm: “I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but can you please confirm it for me?
- 申し上げにくいのですが (I’m sorry to say this, but…)
Example
I was invited to a drinking party, but I can’t attend: I’m sorry say this, but I have plans that day and I can’t attend…
- 可能であれば (If possible)
Example
- I would like to reschedule the meeting from the 3rd to the 5th: If possible, could you reschedule the meeting from the 3rd to the 5th?
Using cushion words like this is a polite way to communicate.
Facial Expression and Body Language
In Japan, there is a way of communicating without words (non-verbal communication).
Pay attention to their facial expressions and body language.
For example, they smile when they say thank you, but look apologetic when they apologize.
Nodding or making eye contact while speaking is a signal that you are listening.
Silence is one way to communicate.
Japanese people are sometimes silent during conversations.
It may feel awkward or uncomfortable, but there are times when they are taking their time to think or look back and not speak.
Please be assured that such quiet time is also meant to enhance the conversation.
2. First, let’s learn basic Japanese for work.
First, let’s learn Japanese commonly used in the workplace.
Greetings
- ” おはようございます (Good morning) “the greeting you give when you meet in the morning.
- ” お疲れさまです (Good evening) “is a greeting one gives to colleagues when passing them at work or when leaving after a long day of work.
*Do not use it for superiors, such as your boss, or business partners.
- ” お世話になります (Thank you for your constant support) “the first greeting when meeting or calling a client or customer.
- ” 今後ともどうぞよろしくお願いいたします (I’m looking forward to working with you) “the final greeting when meeting or calling a business partner or customer.
Self introduction
- ” はじめまして. 〇〇 (名前) と申します. どうぞよろしくお願いいたします. “
Nice to meet you. My name is ____ (name). I’m looking forward to working with you.
When greeting clients and customers, say the name of the company as well.
- ” はじめまして. 〇〇 (会社名) の〇〇 (名前) と申します. どうぞよろしくお願いいたします. “
Nice to meet you. My name is ____ (name) of ____ (company name). I’m looking forward to working with you.
If you are unsure about something
- ” すみません、〇〇についてお聞きしたいのですが、お時間よろしいでしょうか. “
Excuse me, I would like to ask you about ____, do you have a few minutes to talk?
When talking to the other person, first ask if it is okay to ask now, since you will interrupt the other person’s work.
If you are a senior or a boss, it is more polite to use” お忙しいところ申し訳ございません. (I am sorry to bother you.) “is more polite.
These are phrases that are absolutely useful if you work in Japan.
You should listen carefully to other words used by your colleagues and try to imitate them.
3. Know how to communicate with superiors
In the Japanese workplace, people are polite to their superiors.
This section details how to communicate with superiors.
Superiors: People who are in a higher position than you, such as older people, seniors, and bosses.
How to treat superiors
In the Japanese corporate organization, there are ranks from the top, such as president, general manager, section chief, section manager, and chief.
When calling names, add honorific titles to the names. Examples: President Yamada, General Manager Tanaka, etc.
However, in some companies, even the president is not called” President ____, “but” Mr. ____”.
If your workplace has established rules, follow them.
How to treat your boss
Your supervisor is an important figure of your work.
If you have any problems, consult with them immediately.
Listen carefully and follow instructions while on the job.
When you are taught something, do not forget to express your gratitude.
How to interact with seniors
In Japan, there is a relationship between seniors and juniors.
Senior – someone with a lot of experience or older
Juniors – someone less experienced or younger
In the workplace, people who have joined and worked before you are your seniors.
You will have many opportunities to learn from and receive guidance from your seniors. Treat your seniors with respect as well as your superiors.
4. Know how to communicate with your colleagues
Here are some ways to communicate with your colleagues. Use these methods to build good relationships with your colleagues.
Seek advice
If you have a problem at work, proactively seek advice from your colleagues.
Even if they work in the same office, they may have different experiences than you or knowledge that you do not have.
Let’s make small talk
If there is an opportunity to talk freely, talk about today’s weather with your greeting or about events at work.
Be careful not to start talking about your personal life from the beginning, as it may surprise them.
Join events
If you are invited to dinner or drinks after work, you should try to attend the event if you have time.
Having a good time will broaden the conversation and make it easier to build a relationship.
5. How to respond when there is a difference of opinion
“Japanese workplaces have a lot of indirect communication and work in teams… So what do I do when I have a disagreement? ”
At work, you may have trouble disagreeing with your colleagues.
Here are some solutions for such cases.
Express your opinions thoughtfully, not one-sidedly.
In Japan, we often work together as a team to get things done.
Therefore, do not give your opinion one-sidedly, but rather exchange opinions while finding commonalities with the other party’s opinion.
It is also important to use polite and considerate language without using words that denigrate the other party.
Seek third-party opinion.
One way is to get a new opinion from a third party, such as a senior colleague or supervisor.
Get opinions from different perspectives and find a mutually acceptable solution.
Focus on your goals and objectives as a team.
When there is a disagreement within the team, remember the team’s goals and work objectives.
Focusing on them will help you put together a good opinion for your team.
In this way, you will be able to maintain a good relationship and build a cooperative working relationship.
Conclusion
Communication is essential to work.
Being able to communicate well in the Japanese workplace will not only help you build good relationships, but will also make it easier for you and your colleagues to work together.
It will help you learn a new job, learn to speak even more Japanese, and help you grow as a person.
There are many other cultures in the Japanese workplace that could not be introduced in this article.
Understanding the culture also helps communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How important is it for a foreigner to study Japanese before working in Japan?
Studying Japanese is very important.
Some companies have English-speaking environments, but most speak Japanese.
Depending on the nature of the job, it is possible that you may not be able to work if you do not understand Japanese.
Even if you do not need Japanese, it is better to study basic Japanese.
It is easier to communicate and build good relationships with colleagues.
If you want to start studying,
- Language Learning Apps
- Online Japanese Courses
- Language exchange programs
and others can be helpful when learning Japanese.
2. What should I do if there is a difference of opinion in the workplace?
I think there are conflicts of opinion in every workplace.
It is important to find solutions in a way that preserves a good relationship rather than direct assertion.
- Listen carefully to the other person’s opinion, rather than only asserting your own.
- Reflect on your goals and objectives and make them the best opinion for your team and workplace.
- Seek the opinion of a third party, such as a senior colleague or supervisor.
