Question
I’m attending a business meeting in Japan for the first time, and I want to make sure I greet everyone properly. How do I say “Nice to meet you” in a business setting?
Japango Editor Team
はじめまして。どうぞよろしくお願（ねが）いいたします。
Hajimemashite. Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
Nice to meet you. Please take care of me (a polite way of saying ‘let’s have a good working relationship’).
In Japanese business culture, first impressions are crucial, and greetings are taken very seriously. “Hajimemashite” is used when meeting someone for the first time and translates to “Nice to meet you.” It is common etiquette to follow this with “Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu,” which is a very polite way of saying “Please treat me favorably” or “I look forward to working with you.” This phrase shows respect and humility and sets a positive tone for future interactions. Practice this phrase to ensure a warm and respectful welcome in your business meetings.
