How to Introduce Yourself in Japanese: Casual and Formal Self-Introduction Guide

Introducing yourself in Japanese is one of the first things you learn — and one of the most important. This guide covers the standard self-introduction (自己紹介), formal and casual versions, and the cultural context that makes Japanese introductions unique.

The Standard Self-Introduction Template

Yuka

自己紹介は「はじめまして→名前→出身・職業→よろしくお願いします」の順が基本。覚えれば万能！
(A self-introduction goes: はじめまして → name → origin/job → よろしくお願いします. Memorize this and you’re set.)

Formal version:

はじめまして。〔name〕と申します。〔country/city〕から来ました。〔occupation〕をしています。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
(How do you do. My name is [name]. I’m from [country/city]. I work as [occupation]. Pleased to meet you.)

Casual version:

はじめまして！〔name〕です。〔country〕から来ました。〔hobby〕が好きです。よろしく！
(Hi! I’m [name]. I’m from [country]. I like [hobby]. Nice to meet you!)

Phrase-by-Phrase Breakdown

Yuka

「よろしくお願いします」は英語に直訳できない。「これからよい関係をお願いします」というニュアンス。だから初対面で必ず使う！
(よろしくお願いします has no direct English translation. The nuance is ‘I ask for a good relationship going forward.’ That’s why it’s always used at first meetings.)

Cultural Notes: Bowing and Business Cards

Yuka

初対面では自然に頭を下げる。深さは状況による。ビジネスなら30度、友人なら軽く。おじぎは挨拶の一部！
(At first meetings, you naturally bow. The depth depends on the situation — 30 degrees for business, a light nod for friends. Bowing is part of the greeting.)

Rei

名刺交換は両手で渡して、受け取ったらすぐ確認してテーブルに丁寧に置く。すぐにしまわないのがマナー！
(Business cards: hand with both hands, receive and immediately look at it, then place it politely on the table. Don’t put it away immediately — that’s the etiquette.)

Practice Script: First Day at a Japanese Language Class

Teacher: 自己紹介をしてください。
(Please introduce yourself.)

Student: はじめまして。〔Your name〕と申します。〔Country〕から来ました。日本語を勉強しています。どうぞよろしくお願いします。
(How do you do. My name is [name]. I’m from [country]. I’m studying Japanese. Pleased to meet you all.)

Everyone: よろしくお願いします！
(Nice to meet you!)

Quick Quiz

1. What is the standard phrase to close a self-introduction?
→ よろしくお願いします

2. What is the humble/formal way to state your name?
→ 〇〇と申します

3. How do you say ‘I came from Canada’?
→ カナダから来ました。

Try introducing yourself in Japanese below! Leave your self-introduction in the comments. 💬

Keep Learning:

• Japanese Greetings Beyond Konnichiwa
• Japanese Business Meeting Phrases
• Japanese Conversation Phrases Guide
• Japanese Honorifics: さん vs くん vs ちゃん vs さま

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