Meetings are a vital part of business culture everywhere — but in Japan, they can feel like a completely different world. Hierarchies are more visible, politeness levels matter deeply, and communication often relies on subtle phrasing rather than direct statements.
For many foreign professionals working in Japan, even with solid Japanese skills, participating in meetings can feel intimidating. You might wonder:
- How formal should I sound?
- When is it okay to disagree?
- How do I show respect without sounding stiff?
At 虎ノ門ランゲージスクール, we’ve helped countless international professionals find their voice in Japanese workplaces. Below are key phrases, and the communication mindset behind them, that can help you navigate your next meeting with confidence and cultural awareness.
💡 Before the Meeting: Set the Tone with Politeness
The way you start a meeting sets the stage for everything that follows. Japanese meetings often begin with polite greetings and short self-introductions, which help build a respectful atmosphere.
Useful Phrases:
- 本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。
Thank you for taking the time to meet today.
→ A polite, professional opener showing appreciation for others’ time. - 本題に入る前に、簡単に自己紹介させていただきます。
Before we begin, let me briefly introduce myself.
→ Ideal if you’re meeting new colleagues or external partners. - 本日のアジェンダを共有いたします。
Let me share today’s agenda.
→ Shows initiative and helps clarify the meeting’s structure early on.
Cultural Tip: Japanese meetings often begin with a few minutes of small talk or pleasantries, which help ease everyone in. Don’t rush to the main topic immediately, show patience and interest first.
🗣 During the Discussion: Express Ideas Clearly but Diplomatically
Direct disagreement can be seen as confrontational in Japanese business settings. Instead, professionals often use softening phrases to express different opinions or to invite discussion in a balanced way.
Useful Phrases:
- ご意見をお聞かせいただけますか。
Could I hear your thoughts on this?
→ Invites input respectfully, encouraging collaboration. - どうでしょう。たとえば…というのはいかがでしょうか。
What do you think about an idea like this?
→ A polite way to bring up a different opinion. - 確認のために、もう一度説明してもよろしいですか。
Allow me to explain that again just to confirm.
→ Useful when you want to clarify details or ensure mutual understanding. - その点については検討の余地があると思います。
I think that point deserves further consideration.
→ Perfect for postponing a decision diplomatically.
Cultural Tip: Japanese communication values harmony. When discussing, frame your points as contributions to the group’s success, not as personal assertions. Using indirect but polite phrasing helps maintain this harmony.
🤝 Closing the Meeting: Confirm and Express Gratitude
Meetings in Japan often conclude with a summary and expressions of thanks, even if nothing has been fully decided. The goal is to end on a note of appreciation and clarity.
Useful Phrases:
- 本日のまとめを共有させていただきます。
Let me summarize today’s discussion.
→ Demonstrates leadership and attentiveness. - 次回のミーティングまでに確認すべき点を整理いたします。
I’ll organize the points that need to be confirmed before our next meeting.
→ Shows responsibility and forward planning. - 引き続きよろしくお願いいたします。
We look forward to working together moving forward.
→ A standard but essential closing phrase for any professional exchange.
Cultural Tip: Many Japanese professionals will lightly bow or express final thanks again at the end, this is a small gesture, but one that reinforces mutual respect.
💬 Key Takeaway
Mastering Japanese meeting phrases isn’t just about memorizing expressions — it’s about understanding the rhythm of communication in Japanese business culture. By balancing politeness with clarity, you can make your voice heard while showing cultural awareness.
At 虎ノ門ランゲージスクール, our Corporate Japanese Courses go beyond grammar and vocabulary. We focus on helping professionals communicate naturally and confidently in real business settings — from meetings and presentations to emails and networking.
Ready to lead your next Japanese meeting with confidence? Book a free consultation today to learn more about our courses and how we can help you achieve your learning goals!