Formal to Client
Workplace · Greeting
You
いらっしゃいませ。本日はわざわざお越しいただき、ありがとうございます。どうぞこちらへ。
いらっしゃいませ。ほんじつはわざわざおこしいただき、ありがとうございます。どうぞこちらへ。
Welcome. Thank you so much for coming all this way today. Please, this way.
Romaji: Irasshaimase. Honjitsu wa wazawaza okoshi itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu. Douzo kochira e. / Reply Romaji: Iie, tondemo gozaimasen. Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
Reply
いいえ、とんでもございません。よろしくお願いいたします。
いいえ、とんでもございません。よろしくおねがいいたします。
Not at all. I look forward to our meeting today.
Gesture & etiquette
Bow at 30 degrees on greeting. Walk 1-2 steps ahead of the guest on the way to the meeting room. At the door, step aside and use an open-palm gesture to indicate 'please enter.' Offer tea or water promptly once seated.
Wazawaza (going out of one's way) acknowledges that the visitor has made an effort to come — always say it. Guide the guest by walking slightly ahead and to the side, gesturing with an open hand (never pointing with a single finger). Open doors and hold them for guests.