4th Networking Meetup — Recap Page
4th Networking Meetup — Recap Page

Working in Japan ②
Communicating With Japanese Colleagues

This page lets you revisit what you learned at the meetup anytime. Please put it to use in your daily work!

What You'll Learn Here
Adapting How You Communicate What Matters When Working With Japanese Colleagues Quiz: Check Your Understanding
STEP 1

Adapting How You Communicate

In Japan, it's important to slightly adjust how you speak depending on your relationship with the other person.

Colleague
Speak normally
Boss
Speak a bit more politely
Customer
Speak most politely

Common Expressions

Here are 6 common situations. Tap to see example phrases and key points.

Case 1 Asking for a document by end of day
Colleague:Could I get this by the end of today?
Boss:Would it be all right to ask for this by the end of today?
Customer:Would it be possible to have this handled today?
Point: Even with soft wording, state the deadline and required details clearly.
Case 2 Pointing out a mistake in a document
Colleague:This looks a little off — could you check it?
Boss:Just to confirm, is this correct?
Customer:I'm sorry to trouble you, but could you please check this?
Point: Don't assume it's wrong — frame it as a question to confirm first.
Case 3 Confirming you understood
Colleague:Got it.
Boss:Understood.
Customer:Certainly.
Point: A single word changes the impression you give — choose it based on who you're speaking to.
Case 4 Asking someone to explain something
Colleague:Could you show me this part?
Boss:Could you please explain this to me?
Customer:Would you mind explaining this to me?
Point: Saying what you do and don't understand makes it easier for the other person to help.
Case 5 Asking someone to wait a moment
Colleague:Could you wait a moment?
Boss:Could you please wait a moment?
Customer:I'll check on that — could you please wait a moment?
Point: Using a polite request softens how it sounds.
Case 6 Explaining you can't handle something today
Colleague:Sorry, that's difficult today — I'll take care of it tomorrow.
Boss:I'm sorry, today isn't possible — I'll handle it tomorrow.
Customer:I apologize, today isn't possible — I'll have it done by the agreed date.
Point: Don't just say "I can't" — give a reason and an alternative timeline.

3 Key Points in Japanese Communication

1
Adapt Your Tone to the Person
Adjust formality and word choice for colleagues, bosses, and customers.
2
Use Soft, Gentle Wording
Avoid wording that could upset someone or sound too blunt.
3
State Key Points Clearly
Don't leave questions or important details vague.
STEP 2

What Matters When Working With Japanese Colleagues

10 Key Points

Tap a card to see a detailed explanation.

01
Report, Contact, Consult
02
Adapt How You Speak
03
Confirm What You Don't Understand
04
Greetings & Courtesy
05
Teamwork
06
Consider the Right Timing
07
Keep Time & Deadlines
08
Take Initiative
09
Watch and Act
10
Follow Through on Your Tasks

What Matters Most in a Japanese Workplace

Keeping these 3 in mind makes it easier to communicate with Japanese colleagues.

Report, Contact, Consult
Adapt How You Speak
Teamwork
COMMON THREAD
Act in ways that make it easier for others to do their work.
You don't need to remember everything today. Just keeping these three in mind should already make communication easier.
STEP 3

Quiz: Check Your Understanding

Quiz Complete!