A self-introduction<\/strong> (\u81ea\u5df1\u7d39\u4ecb, jikosh\u014dkai<\/em>, jiko meaning oneself and shoukai meaning introduction) sounds pretty self-explanatory in theory, but culturally in Japan, there are certain procedures to follow. It\u2019s more of a \u201cthing\u201d here as opposed to the English \u201cHi, my name is…\u201d When coming to Japan to study, work, or take the first steps into diving deeper into the culture, a quality Japanese self-introduction is indispensable.<\/p>\n\n As with culture and language in general, even when communication is nearly impossible (which is guaranteed to happen when traveling!), manners go a long way. Nobody will expect a foreign exchange student<\/a> or tourist<\/a> to step off the plane and speak perfect Japanese, but reading the situation, bowing, and smiling, will already set a good precedence.<\/p>\n\n Start with a hello<\/strong> (\u3053\u3093\u306b\u3061\u306f, konnichiwa<\/em>) if it\u2019s during the day, a good evening (\u3053\u3093\u3070\u3093\u306f, konbanwa<\/em>) if it\u2019s later into the day, or a \u201cnice to meet you<\/strong>\u201d (\u306f\u3058\u3081\u307e\u3057\u3066, hajimemashite<\/em>). Hajimemashite really means something along the lines of \u201cit\u2019s my first time meeting you,\u201d but it\u2019s best catch-all phrase when introducing yourself. If in doubt, just go with this one.<\/p>\n\n Follow with your name<\/strong>: \u201c________________ to iimasu<\/em> (\u3068\u8a00\u3044\u307e\u3059, my name is ________________). If you\u2019d like people to call you by a nickname, you can say, \u201c________________ to yonde kudasai<\/em> (\u3068\u547c\u3093\u3067\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044, please call me ________________). Tell everyone your nationality by saying for example, \u201cCanada jin desu<\/em> (\u30ab\u30ca\u30c0\u4eba\u3067\u3059, I\u2019m Canadian), and where you\u2019re from by saying, \u201cKariforunia kara kimashita<\/em> (\u30ab\u30ea\u30d5\u30a9\u30eb\u30cb\u30a2\u304b\u3089\u6765\u307e\u3057\u305f, I\u2019m from California). By the way, if you take this too literally and tell everyone you\u2019re a Canadian from California, you\u2019re gonna be a big liar on your first day.<\/p>\n\n These are the basics! Remember these and you\u2019re off to a good start.<\/p>\n\n Subtlety is an important aspect of Japanese culture. It\u2019s in all the little interactions, the art, the physical gestures<\/strong>, and the language itself. Missing them in the self-introduction, especially if you\u2019ve just arrived in Japan, probably won\u2019t be counted against you, but knowing the little details can give you some bonus points!<\/p>\n\n In Japanese culture, last names are stated before first names, so remember that in your \u201c________________ to iimasu.\u201d In English, usually people give a small explanation of their job or the name of their profession, but in Japan it can simply be \u201ckaishain desu<\/em> (\u4f1a\u793e\u54e1\u3067\u3059, I\u2019m an office worker\u201d or \u201cgakusei desu<\/em> (\u5b66\u751f\u3067\u3059, I\u2019m a student).\u201d It\u2019s nice to give one or two hobbies with \u201cshumi wa<\/em> ________________desu<\/em> (\u8da3\u5473\u306f________________\u3067\u3059, my hobby is)\u201d or strengths with \u201c________________ wa tokui desu<\/em> (________________\u306f\u5f97\u610f\u3067\u3059, my strength is),\u201d but remember, it\u2019s important to be humble here. People want to know your strengths and what you enjoy, but too much of it will come off as bragging and make you seem overconfident.<\/p>\n\n Though we shake hands in the west, it\u2019s usually reserved for those of the same or lower status over in Japan. If this person is your boss, your teacher, or somebody you don\u2019t know, then play it safe and bow.\u2014And don\u2019t talk or finish up your speech while you\u2019re bowing. Finish everything you say, and then bow. It\u2019s considered rude to bow while talking. Of course (and as a warning, this is just from my experience, so take it with a pinch of salt), don\u2019t feel the need to stick to this rigid template. Unless you\u2019re interviewing<\/a> for a big job at a serious company\u2014in which case I imagine you\u2019ll be required to speak pretty fluent Japanese, and probably won\u2019t be needing this guide\u2014remember that you\u2019re there just as much to share your culture and who you are as you\u2019re learning from those around you.<\/p>\n\n People will be curious and ask questions. Talk about your town, what your plans are for Japan or the future, or even show a special talent you may have up your sleeve. I\u2019ve met friends who came here and sang a song or showed a cool trick when introducing themselves to a class of Japanese kids. Your situation may differ, but remember the basics, mind the etiquette, and have fun with it!<\/p>\n\nThe Jikosh\u014dkai<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/students.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nEtiquette<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
Make it your own<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n