Greetings

 

1. Today's Japanese words

 Japanese vocabulary about greetings, with romaji for pronunciation:

* **おはようございます (Ohayōございます) - Oh-ha-yo goh-zah-ee-mahs:** Good morning (before noon)

* **こんにちは (Konnichiwa) - Kon-nee-chee-wa:** Hello (general daytime greeting)

* **こんばんは (Konbanwa) - Kon-bahn-wah:** Good evening (after dark)

* **いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase) - Irasshai-mah-se:** Welcome (used in shops)

* **はじめまして (Hajimemashite) - Hah-jee-meh-mah-shteh:** Nice to meet you (first meeting)

* **お久しぶりです (Ohisashiburi desu) - Oh-hee-sah-shih-boo-ri desu:** Long time no see

**General Greetings:**

* **お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu) - Oh-tsuu-kah-reh-sah-mah desu:** Thank you for your hard work (used as a greeting after work)

* **失礼します (Shitsureishimasu) - Excuse me (used when entering or leaving a room, interrupting someone)

* **ありがとうございます (Arigatōgozaimasu) - Thank you (formal)

**Responding to Greetings:**

* **はい (Hai) - Hi:** Yes

* **どうぞ (Dōzo) - Doh-zoh:** Please (used to offer something or invite someone in)

* **いえいえ (Iieいえ) - Lieh ieh:** No problem (used in response to thanks)

**Time-Specific Greetings**

* **行ってきます (Ittekimasu) - It-teh-ki-mah-su:** I'm leaving now (said by the person leaving)

* **いってらっしゃい (Itterasshai) - It-teh-rah-shai:** Have a good trip/See you later (said to the person leaving)

* **ただいま (Tadaima) - Tah-dah-ee-mah:** I'm home (said by the person returning)

* **おかえり (Okaeri) - Oh-kah-eh-ri:** Welcome home (said to the person returning)

* **おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai) - Oh-yah-su-mi-nah-sai:** Good night (used when going to sleep)

**Phrases for Meetings:**

* **よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) - Yoh-roh-shi-ku oh-neh-gai-shi-mah-su:** Please take care of me (used when meeting someone for the first time in a business setting)

2. Today's topic

In the Japanese business world, greetings are a formal exchange that conveys respect. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

Bowing: Bowing is a fundamental part of Japanese business etiquette. The depth of the bow shows respect, with a deeper bow signifying greater respect. The junior person typically initiates the bow.

Handshakes: Handshakes may also be exchanged, but with a lighter grip than in Western cultures. A handshake might be combined with a bow.

Business Cards: Exchanging business cards (meishi 名刺) is a crucial part of introductions. Present and receive cards with two hands and a bow. Briefly study the received card before placing it on the table.

* **Hierarchy and Seniority:** Age and seniority are highly respected in Japanese business culture. Decisions are often made by consensus, and meetings may involve a lot of deference to senior members.

* **Indirect Communication:** Japanese communication can be indirect, with more emphasis on non-verbal cues and building relationships than on direct statements. This can be frustrating for Westerners who prefer a more straightforward approach.

* **Building Relationships :** Building trust and rapport is essential before any business deal is made. This may involve socializing with colleagues outside of work or attending after-work drinks.

* **Harmony (Wa):** Maintaining group harmony (Wa) is a core value. Open disagreement or criticism is seen as disruptive and disrespectful.

* **Lifetime Employment:** Traditionally, Japanese companies practiced lifetime employment, where employees would stay with one company for their entire career. This is less common today, but there is still a sense of loyalty between employees and employers.

* **Dress Code:** Dress code in Japanese business is conservative. Men typically wear dark suits and ties, and women wear skirt suits or tailored dresses.

* **Gift-Giving (Omiyage):** Giving gifts (Omiyage) is a common practice in Japanese business culture. Gifts are usually small and inexpensive, and they are a way of showing appreciation or gratitude. 

3- Today’s news

Rainfall records broken across Japan; man dies in Yamanashi

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15284662

The language of opportunity: Bilingual education is on the rise in Japan

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2024/05/27/language/bilingual-education-schools-japanese-language-english/