
Question
I am planning a business trip to Tokyo and will attend several meetings. I would like to start my meetings with a polite greeting. How do I say “Thank you for meeting with me” in Japanese?

Japango Editor Team
お時間(じかん)を取(と)っていただき、ありがとうございます。
Ojikan o totte itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you for meeting with me.
When attending a business meeting in Japan, it’s important to express gratitude formally. The phrase “Ojikan o totte itadaki” means “for taking the time,” and “arigatou gozaimasu” adds a polite “thank you.” This expression is suitable for both formal and semi-formal business settings.
You can use this expression when you meet someone in a business context or during various stages of a business engagement. Using “itadaki” implies a level of humility and appreciation, reflecting cultural norms in Japanese business etiquette.