Formal to Client
Workplace · Meeting
You
本日はお忙しいところお集まりいただき、ありがとうございます。では始めましょう。
ほんじつはおいそがしいところおあつまりいただき、ありがとうございます。でははじめましょう。
Thank you all for gathering today despite your busy schedules. Let's get started.
Romaji: Honjitsu wa oisogashii tokoro oatsumari itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu. Dewa hajimemashou. / Reply Romaji: (Participants nod and open materials)
Reply
（参加者がうなずき、資料を開く）
（さんかしゃがうなずき、しりょうをひらく）
(Participants nod and open their materials)
Gesture & etiquette
Stand or sit upright at the head of the table. Make brief eye contact with each participant as you open. Have the agenda clearly visible. Start exactly on time — being even 1-2 minutes late without acknowledgment signals poor organization.
The opening phrase of a meeting acknowledges attendees' time — a sign of respect in a culture where being busy signals hard work and social value. Start meetings exactly on time; starting late without apology is considered disrespectful in formal Japanese business settings.