Page 30 - Easy Japanese - Learn to Speak Japanese Quickly! (TUTTLE)

present your card (Japanese side up, with both hands with palms up), bow and
turn it so that the other person can read it. As you receive the other person’s card,
take a moment to read/acknowledge it. During the meeting, carefully place their
business cards in front of you to refer to. Don’t write on them or leave them
behind. If you have any questions—such as how to read the Kanji on the card,
inquiring about the person’s first name (usually the family name precedes the
first name), the address, division’s name and its function—it’s best to ask for

clarification at the beginning.
Self-introductions, where a person gets up in front of a group and explains
who he/she is, are very common in Japan. These follow a formula, which starts
with hajimemashite, followed by your name (even if it has already been
mentioned) and other information like your hometown, the college you have
attended, and ends with dōzo yoroshiku onegai shimasu.

Shaking hands and other physical contact are not customary in Japan,
although they are becoming more common these days. Remember to bow as you
introduce yourself, and nod when others bow. When in doubt, bow!

PATTERN PRACTICE 1

Pattern Practices are to train fast oral response, so the correct phrase will
instinctively come to mind when having a conversation with a Japanese speaker.
Using audio is essential. Do NOT read the script as you do drills. Following the
first two model exchanges, respond to each cue. Make sure you do all four steps:

1. Listen to the cue.
2. Insert your response.
3. Listen to the model response.
4. Repeat the model.

Cue: Hiru desu.

I’m Hill.
Response: Hiru-san desu ka. Hajimemashite.

Mr. Hill? How do you do?
Cue: Honda desu.

I’m Honda.
Response: Honda-san desu ka. Hajimemashite.

Ms. Honda? How do you do?