Self-Introductions in Japanese: A Simple Jikoshokai for Beginners

Learn the five-part pattern behind a Japanese self-introduction, from hajimemashite to yoroshiku onegaishimasu, plus how bowing and business cards fit in.

Published October 20, 2026 at 1:16 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: A jikoshokai (self-introduction) in Japanese follows a short, predictable order: a greeting (hajimemashite), your name (watashi wa ___ desu), where you are from, what you do or study, a hobby, and a closing phrase, yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Add a light bow, keep your voice calm, and a few simple sentences are enough.

What a jikoshokai is and why the order matters

Jikoshokai (self-introduction) is the short speech or exchange people use when they meet for the first time: in a classroom, at a workplace, at a club, or at a neighborhood event. The format is quite standard, which is good news for beginners. Once the pattern is memorized, only the details change.

The usual order is greeting, name, origin, occupation or school, interests, and a closing request for good relations. Following that order helps listeners know what to expect, and it keeps the speech short. Many introductions last well under a minute, and that is perfectly normal.

The five-part pattern in romaji

Start with "Hajimemashite" (the standard phrase for meeting someone for the first time). Then give your name: "Watashi wa Sara Smith desu." Watashi is the standard polite first-person pronoun and works for any gender, and desu is the polite way to say "is." Japanese speakers often leave out the pronoun entirely when the subject is clear, so "Sara Smith desu" is also natural.

Next comes where you are from: "Amerika kara kimashita" (literally, came from America), or "Kanada no Toronto kara kimashita." Then work or study: "Shigoto wa kyoshi desu" (work is teacher) or "Daigakusei desu" (a university student). Finally a hobby: "Shumi wa ryori desu" (hobby is cooking).

End with "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu." This phrase has no tidy English match. It is a polite request that carries the sense of "please be kind to the speaker" or "looking forward to working with you," and it is used at the end of nearly every first meeting.

Names, honorifics and the word -san

One small rule saves many beginners from a mistake: the suffix -san is attached to other people's names, never to your own. A person says "Smith desu" or "Smith to moshimasu" (a more humble form), not "Smith-san desu." A general reference on the language notes the same point about -san and self-reference.

Order of names is another question. Japanese names are traditionally given family name first. When introducing yourself in English, people usually give the personal name first, and a short introduction in Japanese can follow either habit as long as it is clear. Saying the name slowly and clearly matters more than the order.

Because Japanese has several levels of politeness, a beginner is safest with the desu/masu style used in all the sample sentences here. It is polite without being stiff, and it suits most situations: teachers, neighbors, coworkers and new classmates.

Bowing while you speak

A bow often accompanies the greeting and the closing phrase. Common descriptions of bowing in Japan give three standing levels: a light bow of about 15 degrees (eshaku) for casual greetings, a bow of about 30 degrees (keirei) that is the most common in business settings, and a deeper bow of about 45 degrees or more reserved for very formal moments such as apologies or important requests.

For a self-introduction, the middle bow is a good reference point for formal settings, and a smaller nod works among peers. Bow from the waist with the back straight, and pause briefly before rising. Eye contact during the spoken part, then a bow at the end after "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu," feels natural.

Visitors are not expected to bow perfectly. A friendly smile and a modest bow are received warmly, and the exact depth matters less than a calm, respectful manner. Matching the bow of the person being greeted is a simple way to find the right level for the setting, whether a classroom, a shop counter or an office.

Business cards and work introductions

In a work setting, the spoken introduction is usually paired with a meishi (business card). Guidance on card etiquette says to present the card with both hands, holding the top corners, face up so the other person can read it. When receiving a card, take it with both hands, read it carefully, and acknowledge it, for example by saying "Choudai itashimasu" (a humble phrase of gratitude for receiving the card) and bowing.

During a meeting, cards received are commonly placed on the table in front of you rather than put away immediately. Guidance on card etiquette advises against writing on a card or folding it, and suggests storing it in a card case afterward instead of a back pocket, since a card represents the person who gave it.

A workplace jikoshokai usually adds the company name and department: "ABC Kaisha no Tanaka desu." The company comes first, then the person, which reflects the way business introductions are usually ordered. A title can follow the name, as in "Eigyobu no Tanaka desu" (Tanaka, from the sales department), and the same closing phrase ends the introduction.

Adding detail without making it long

Once the five basic parts feel comfortable, one or two extra sentences make an introduction more memorable. Useful additions include how long you have been in Japan or studying Japanese ("Nihongo wo benkyo shite imasu"), where you live, or a favorite food or sport. Each can follow the same simple sentence pattern.

Questions are a good way to open the conversation afterward. "Dochira kara irasshaimashita ka?" (where have you come from?) and "Shumi wa nan desu ka?" (what is your hobby?) are friendly, standard choices. A short reply plus "Soo desu ka" (is that so?) keeps things going, and the same sentence patterns work in both directions.

Practice aloud, ideally with a language partner or a recording of a native speaker. Learning materials for people living in Japan, such as the Japan Foundation's Irodori program, include audio files that help with rhythm and pronunciation.

Common mistakes and quick fixes

Beginners often add -san to their own name, or translate a long English speech word by word. Shorter is better. Another common slip is skipping the closing phrase, which makes the introduction feel unfinished. Even a brief "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" completes the pattern.

Pronunciation of blended sounds such as "ryo" in ryori (cooking) and "kyo" in kyoshi (teacher) trips up many learners, so a slow, clear reading helps. Vowel length also matters in Japanese, since a long vowel can change a word, which is worth checking with a teacher or a recording of a native speaker.

Finally, a few nerves are normal, and a short, clear introduction is easier to follow than a long one. Reading the sentences aloud several times before a first meeting builds confidence. This guide shares general cultural and language information, not formal instruction; for study plans, a qualified teacher can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the simplest self-introduction in Japanese?

"Hajimemashite. Watashi wa (name) desu. (Country) kara kimashita. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu." These four short sentences cover the greeting, name, origin and the closing request. They are polite, easy to pronounce and suitable for classrooms, workplaces and casual gatherings alike.

Should I bow when I introduce myself in Japanese?

A light bow is common and appreciated, especially at the greeting and at "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu." Common descriptions of Japanese etiquette give about 15 degrees for casual moments and about 30 degrees for more formal ones. Visitors are not expected to be perfect, and a polite nod is usually accepted warmly.

What does yoroshiku onegaishimasu mean?

It is a polite phrase used at the end of an introduction and in many other situations when asking for someone's goodwill or cooperation. There is no exact English equivalent. Depending on context it can mean "please treat me well," "looking forward to working with you," or "thank you in advance."

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Japanese for Your First Trip is available on Amazon.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: Asking for Directions in Japanese: Key Phrases and Understanding Answers, Joining Hobby Clubs and Circles in Japan: A Friendly Way to Meet People and Making Friends in Japan: Clubs, Language Exchanges and Community Centers.