How to Introduce Yourself in Japanese: Name, Origins, and Cultural Etiquette

Introducing yourself in Japanese—known as jikoshoukai (自己紹介)—is one of the most essential skills for anyone learning the language or planning to visit Japan. Whether you're meeting someone at a business conference in Tokyo, joining a language exchange group, or simply making friends, knowing how to properly introduce yourself sets the foundation for meaningful connections in Japanese culture.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Japanese self-introductions, from basic phrases to advanced cultural nuances.

Understanding Jikoshoukai: The Art of Self-Introduction

In Japanese society, first impressions carry significant weight. The self-introduction, or jikoshoukai, is a structured and respectful way to present yourself to others. Unlike casual Western introductions, Japanese introductions often follow specific patterns and include details that might seem formal by Western standards.

The basic structure typically includes your name, where you're from, your occupation or student status, your interests, and a polite closing statement. The level of formality and detail varies depending on the situation.

Basic Self-Introduction Phrases

Starting Your Introduction

The most common way to begin any introduction in Japanese is with a greeting:

Hajimemashite (はじめまして) — "Nice to meet you" or literally "This is the first time"

This phrase is exclusively used when meeting someone for the first time and signals the beginning of your introduction.

Introducing Your Name

There are several ways to introduce your name in Japanese, depending on formality:

Watashi wa [Name] desu (わたしは[名前]です) — "I am [Name]"

This is the standard, polite way to introduce yourself. Watashi is the neutral first-person pronoun suitable for any situation.

[Name] to moushimasu ([名前]と申します) — "I am called [Name]"

This is a more humble and formal expression, commonly used in business settings or when showing particular respect.

[Name] to iimasu ([名前]と言います) — "I am called [Name]"

This is slightly less formal than moushimasu but still polite and appropriate for most situations.

Example Introduction

Here's a basic introduction structure:

Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Sarah desu. Amerikajin desu. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

(はじめまして。わたしはサラです。アメリカ人です。どうぞよろしくお願いします。)

"Nice to meet you. I am Sarah. I'm American. Please treat me kindly."

Explaining Your Name's Origin and Meaning

When introducing yourself with a non-Japanese name, people may be curious about its origin or meaning. Being prepared to explain your name demonstrates cultural awareness and provides a great conversation starter.

Talking About Your Name's Origin

Watashi no namae wa [origin] kara kimashita (わたしの名前は[起源]から来ました) — "My name comes from [origin]"

For example:

• Watashi no namae wa Girishia kara kimashita — "My name comes from Greece"
• Watashi no namae wa seisho kara kimashita — "My name comes from the Bible"

Explaining Your Name's Meaning

[Name] wa [meaning] to iu imi desu ([名前]は[意味]という意味です) — "[Name] means [meaning]"

For example:

• Sarah wa "purinsesu" to iu imi desu — "Sarah means 'princess'"
• Alexander wa "hito wo mamoru mono" to iu imi desu — "Alexander means 'defender of people'"

Japanese Pronunciation of Your Name

Japanese has a limited phonetic inventory compared to English, so your name may sound different when pronounced by Japanese speakers. It's helpful to provide the katakana version of your name:

Watashi no namae wa katakana de [katakana name] to kakimasu (わたしの名前はカタカナで[カタカナ名]と書きます) — "My name is written in katakana as [katakana name]"

Understanding how your name translates into katakana helps Japanese speakers pronounce it more comfortably. You can use a Japanese name converter tool to find the accurate katakana representation of your name before your introduction.

Sharing Where You're From

Explaining your origins is a standard part of Japanese introductions and helps establish common ground.

Country of Origin

[Country]jin desu ([国]人です) — "I am [nationality]"

Common examples:

• Amerikajin desu (アメリカ人です) — "I'm American"
• Igirisujin desu (イギリス人です) — "I'm British"
• Kanada jin desu (カナダ人です) — "I'm Canadian"
• Oosutoraria jin desu (オーストラリア人です) — "I'm Australian"

City or Region

[City/Region] kara kimashita ([都市/地域]から来ました) — "I came from [city/region]"

For example:

• Nyuuyoku kara kimashita (ニューヨークから来ました) — "I came from New York"
• Rondon kara kimashita (ロンドンから来ました) — "I came from London"

You can also say: [City/Region] ni sundeimasu ([都市/地域]に住んでいます) — "I live in [city/region]"

Explaining Your Background and Purpose

Occupation

[Occupation] desu ([職業]です) — "I am a [occupation]"

Common occupations:

• Gakusei desu (学生です) — "I'm a student"
• Kaishain desu (会社員です) — "I'm a company employee"
• Sensei desu (先生です) — "I'm a teacher"
• Enjinia desu (エンジニアです) — "I'm an engineer"
• Isha desu (医者です) — "I'm a doctor"

Your Purpose in Japan

If you're in Japan or speaking with Japanese people, explaining why you're there adds context:

[Reason] ni nihon ni kimashita ([理由]に日本に来ました) — "I came to Japan to [reason]"

For example:

• Benkyou ni nihon ni kimashita (勉強に日本に来ました) — "I came to Japan to study"
• Shigoto ni nihon ni kimashita (仕事に日本に来ました) — "I came to Japan for work"
• Kankō ni nihon ni kimashita (観光に日本に来ました) — "I came to Japan for tourism"

Sharing Your Interests and Hobbies

Adding personal interests makes your introduction more memorable and provides conversation topics.

Talking About Hobbies

Shumi wa [hobby] desu (趣味は[趣味]です) — "My hobby is [hobby]"

Common hobbies:

• Shumi wa eiga wo miru koto desu (趣味は映画を見ることです) — "My hobby is watching movies"
• Shumi wa ryouri desu (趣味は料理です) — "My hobby is cooking"
• Shumi wa supōtsu desu (趣味はスポーツです) — "My hobby is sports"
• Shumi wa dokusho desu (趣味は読書です) — "My hobby is reading"

Expressing Interest in Japanese Culture

If you're learning Japanese or interested in Japanese culture, mentioning this creates rapport:

Nihongo wo benkyoushiteimasu (日本語を勉強しています) — "I'm studying Japanese"

Nihon no bunka ni kyoumi ga arimasu (日本の文化に興味があります) — "I'm interested in Japanese culture"

Closing Your Introduction

Every proper Japanese introduction ends with a polite closing phrase.

The Essential Closing

Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu (どうぞよろしくお願いします) — This phrase has no direct English translation but roughly means "Please treat me favorably" or "I look forward to working with you"

In casual situations, you can shorten this to: Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします) or simply Yoroshiku (よろしく)

Complete Introduction Examples

Casual Introduction

Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Emma desu. Kanada kara kimashita. Daigakusei desu. Nihongo wo benkyoushiteimasu. Shumi wa anime wo miru koto desu. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Emma. I came from Canada. I'm a university student. I'm studying Japanese. My hobby is watching anime. Please treat me kindly."

Formal/Business Introduction

Hajimemashite. Michael Smith to moushimasu. Amerikajin de, Nyuuyoku kara kimashita. ABC Corporation no eigyou buchō wo tsutomete orimasu. Nihon de no bijinesu kikai wo tanoshimi ni shite orimasu. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

"How do you do. My name is Michael Smith. I'm American and came from New York. I serve as Sales Director at ABC Corporation. I look forward to business opportunities in Japan. I humbly ask for your kind favor."

Introduction with Name Explanation

Hajimemashite. Sophia desu. Watashi no namae wa Girishia kara kimashite, 'chie' to iu imi desu. Katakana de 'Sofia' to kakimasu. Igirisu kara kimashita. Eigo no sensei wo shiteimasu. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Sophia. My name comes from Greek and means 'wisdom.' It's written as 'Sofia' in katakana. I came from England. I work as an English teacher. Please treat me kindly."

Cultural Etiquette for Introductions

Bowing

In Japan, introductions are typically accompanied by a bow. The depth and duration of the bow indicate the level of respect and formality:

• Slight bow (15 degrees): Casual greetings among equals
• Medium bow (30 degrees): Standard polite greeting
• Deep bow (45 degrees): Showing great respect or apology

When introducing yourself, bow as you say hajimemashite and again when you say douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

Business Card Exchange (Meishi Koukan)

In business settings, exchanging business cards is an integral part of introductions. The ritual involves:

1. Offering your card with both hands, with the text facing the recipient
2. Saying your name and company as you present the card
3. Receiving the other person's card with both hands
4. Taking a moment to look at the card carefully
5. Commenting on something from the card (optional)
6. Placing the card respectfully on the table during meetings or in a card holder

Never stuff a business card directly into your pocket—this is considered disrespectful.

Listening Actively

Japanese communication values active listening. When someone introduces themselves to you, show attentiveness through:

• Nodding occasionally
• Making appropriate sounds like hai (yes) or sō desu ka (is that so?)
• Maintaining appropriate eye contact (less intense than Western standards)
• Asking follow-up questions about what they've shared

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the Wrong Pronoun

Watashi is safe for everyone, but be aware that Japanese has many first-person pronouns. Men might use boku in casual situations, but avoid ore unless you're very casual with friends. Women might use atashi casually among friends.

Forgetting Particles

Japanese particles like wa and desu are essential for grammatical correctness. Don't skip them in an attempt to sound casual—this just sounds incorrect.

Over-Sharing Initially

While sharing interests is good, Japanese introductions tend to be more reserved initially. Save deeply personal information for after you've established rapport.

Mispronouncing Your Own Name

Practice saying your name in a way that Japanese speakers can easily understand and repeat. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Using a name converter to find your Japanese katakana name beforehand helps you prepare the correct pronunciation.

Not Adjusting Formality

Read the situation. A job interview requires much more formality than meeting friends at a language exchange. Adjust your language accordingly.

Advanced Introduction Techniques

Mentioning Connections

If you have mutual acquaintances or connections, mentioning them strengthens your introduction:

[Name]san no shoukai de kimashita ([名前]さんの紹介で来ました) — "I came through [Name]'s introduction"

Expressing Enthusiasm

Show genuine interest in the relationship:

Ossharu koto wo tanoshimi ni shiteimasu (おっしゃることを楽しみにしています) — "I look forward to hearing what you have to say"

Issho ni hataraku no wo tanoshimi ni shiteimasu (一緒に働くのを楽しみにしています) — "I look forward to working together"

Acknowledging Your Japanese Level

Being honest about your language ability helps set appropriate expectations:

Nihongo wa mada mada desu (日本語はまだまだです) — "My Japanese is still not good" (humble expression)

Yukkuri hanashite kudasai (ゆっくり話してください) — "Please speak slowly"

Practicing Your Introduction

Preparation Tips

1. Write out your introduction in Japanese
2. Practice pronunciation with native speakers or language apps
3. Record yourself and listen for areas to improve
4. Memorize the core structure but stay flexible
5. Prepare answers to common follow-up questions

Common Follow-Up Questions

Be ready for:

• Nihon wa hajimete desu ka? (日本は初めてですか?) — "Is this your first time in Japan?"
• Nihongo wa dono kurai benkyoushimashita ka? (日本語はどのくらい勉強しましたか?) — "How long have you studied Japanese?"
• Nihon no tabemono wa suki desu ka? (日本の食べ物は好きですか?) — "Do you like Japanese food?"

Regional Variations

While standard Japanese (hyōjungo) works everywhere, some regions have distinct dialects. In Osaka, you might hear ookini instead of arigatou. In Okinawa, greetings differ significantly. For learners, stick with standard Japanese until you're comfortable with basic communication.

Converting Your Name to Japanese

For those interested in how their name appears in Japanese writing, understanding the katakana conversion system is valuable. Most foreign names are written in katakana, the syllabary used for foreign words.

Japanese lacks certain sounds common in English, so names may be adapted:

• "L" sounds become "R" (Laura → ローラ Rōra)
• Consonant clusters are separated with vowels (Chris → クリス Kurisu)
• "V" sounds become "B" (Victoria → ビクトリア Bikutoria)

Before your self-introduction, it's essential to know your name's proper katakana form. A reliable tool to convert English names to Japanese katakana can help you find the standard representation of your name, which is useful for introductions, forms, and official documents in Japan. Having your katakana name ready demonstrates preparation and cultural respect during jikoshoukai.

When you convert your name to Japanese characters, you'll be able to confidently write it on forms, introduce yourself properly, and even create personalized items like name stamps (hanko) used in Japanese business culture. Many people find it helpful to practice writing their katakana name several times before their first introduction.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of self-introduction in Japanese opens doors to meaningful connections and demonstrates respect for Japanese culture. Whether you're introducing yourself in a business meeting, at a social gathering, or in a casual conversation, following proper jikoshoukai etiquette shows cultural awareness and consideration.

Remember that Japanese communication values humility, respect, and sincerity. Your introduction sets the tone for all future interactions, so take time to practice and perfect your self-introduction. Before meeting Japanese speakers, use a Japanese name conversion tool to ensure you can properly present your name in katakana—this small preparation step makes a significant impression.

As you gain confidence, you'll find that introducing yourself in Japanese becomes natural, and you'll appreciate the structured yet warm nature of Japanese social interactions. The key is to start with the basics, practice regularly, and gradually incorporate more natural expressions as your comfort level grows. Ganbatte kudasai (頑張ってください) — Good luck with your Japanese journey!