{"id":26914,"date":"2025-11-26T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/?p=26914"},"modified":"2025-11-19T14:29:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T05:29:23","slug":"surviving-your-first-japanese-company-event-what-to-expect-and-how-to-speak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/ja\/surviving-your-first-japanese-company-event-what-to-expect-and-how-to-speak\/","title":{"rendered":"Surviving Your First Japanese Company Event: What to Expect and How to Speak"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Company events\u2014whether it\u2019s a <em>nomikai<\/em> (drinking party), <em>k\u014dry\u016bkai<\/em> (networking event), or a seasonal celebration\u2014are an important part of professional culture in Japan. For many foreign professionals, these events can feel unfamiliar or stressful, especially when navigating subtle expectations and polite language. Fortunately, with the right preparation and key Japanese phrases, you can participate confidently and make a great impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide will help you understand what typically happens at a Japanese company event, what behaviors are expected, and the useful expressions you can use to communicate naturally and respectfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. What You Can Expect at a Japanese Company Event<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A structured yet relaxed atmosphere<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even casual Japanese company events have underlying etiquette. While people loosen up over drinks, hierarchy (<em>senpai\/k\u014dhai<\/em>, boss\/subordinates) still plays a role in how people interact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reserved seating (bosses and senior staff sit in certain positions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opening greetings or short speeches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Group activities or toasts (<em>kanpai<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Light, polite conversation rather than deep debates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A chance to build relationships outside the office<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Japanese company events are not just about food and drinks\u2014they\u2019re designed to strengthen workplace relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These gatherings are opportunities to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn more about your colleagues in a relaxed setting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build trust with your team<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show interest in Japanese culture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practice your language skills in a real setting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>No pressure to drink<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although drinking culture is historically strong, it has changed significantly. It\u2019s now very acceptable to say <em>\u201c\u4eca\u65e5\u306f\u98f2\u3081\u307e\u305b\u3093\u201d<\/em> (I\u2019m not drinking today) for health or preference reasons. Most colleagues will respect that without question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Key Etiquette Tips to Make a Good Impression<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even small gestures can go a long way in Japan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pour drinks for others before yourself: <\/strong>This is a classic show of courtesy, especially toward seniors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep conversations light and positive:<\/strong> Avoid heavy topics such as politics or direct criticism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t leave immediately after eating:<\/strong> In Japan, it\u2019s common to stay until the end unless you express your departure politely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Show appreciation verbally:<\/strong> Japanese coworkers value explicit gratitude and polite communication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Useful Japanese Phrases for Company Events<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need perfect grammar to make a good impression. These simple, natural expressions will help you navigate conversations smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Arriving \/ Greeting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u3088\u308d\u3057\u304f\u304a\u9858\u3044\u3057\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/strong><em>Looking forward to spending time together.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u304a\u75b2\u308c\u69d8\u3067\u3059\u3002<\/strong><em>Thank you for your hard work.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>During Conversations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u3044\u3064\u3082\u304a\u4e16\u8a71\u306b\u306a\u3063\u3066\u3044\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/strong><em>Thank you for always supporting me.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u4eca\u65e5\u306e\u30a4\u30d9\u30f3\u30c8\u3001\u697d\u3057\u307f\u306b\u3057\u3066\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<\/strong><em>I was looking forward to this event.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u52c9\u5f37\u306b\u306a\u308a\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/strong><em>I\u2019m learning a lot.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u3068\u3066\u3082\u697d\u3057\u3044\u3067\u3059\u3002<\/strong><em>I\u2019m really enjoying myself.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>If you don\u2019t drink alcohol<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u4eca\u65e5\u306f\u30a2\u30eb\u30b3\u30fc\u30eb\u306f\u63a7\u3048\u3066\u3044\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/strong><em>I\u2019m avoiding alcohol today.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u30bd\u30d5\u30c8\u30c9\u30ea\u30f3\u30af\u3067\u304a\u9858\u3044\u3057\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/strong><em>A soft drink for me, please.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Leaving politely<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u4eca\u65e5\u306f\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u3068\u3066\u3082\u697d\u3057\u304b\u3063\u305f\u3067\u3059\u3002<\/strong><em>Thank you for today. I really enjoyed it.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u5148\u306b\u5931\u793c\u3057\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/strong><em>I\u2019ll excuse myself and leave first.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26917\" srcset=\"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Why These Events Matter for Your Career<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Participating in company events is an unspoken part of Japanese professional development. These gatherings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Show that you\u2019re engaged with your team<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build rapport that leads to smoother communication at work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthen trust with your managers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help you better understand workplace expectations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you\u2019re shy or introverted, showing up and using a few polite phrases can leave a strong positive impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Take the Next Step: Learn to Communicate Confidently in Japanese<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If company events make you nervous, you\u2019re not alone. Many foreign professionals struggle with keigo, reading, knowing what to say, and understanding subtle communication styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Toranomon Language School, our instructors can help you build the exact language and cultural skills you need to thrive at work\u2014and enjoy these company events with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#x1f449; <strong>Book a free consultation <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.toranomon-ls.com\/book-online?category=ff0cd35e-ac4f-4f26-9b1d-4d87acd8cc03\">here<\/a> to learn more about improving your Japanese for real workplace situations.<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Company events\u2014whether it\u2019s a nomikai (drinking party), k\u014dry\u016bkai (networking event), or a seasonal celebration\u2014are an important part of professional culture in Japan. For many foreign professionals, these events can feel unfamiliar or stressful, especially when navigating subtle expectations and polite language. Fortunately, with the right preparation and key Japanese phrases, you can participate confidently and make a great impression. This guide will help you understand what typically happens at a Japanese company event, what behaviors are expected, and the useful expressions you can use to communicate naturally and respectfully. 1. What You Can Expect at a Japanese Company Event A structured yet relaxed atmosphere Even casual Japanese company events have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2272,"featured_media":26915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[428,29,333],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-business-japanese","category-japanese-culture"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26914","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2272"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26914"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26914\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26918,"href":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26914\/revisions\/26918"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toranomon-ls.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}