Formal to Client
Workplace · Greeting
You
本日はわざわざお越しいただきありがとうございました。またぜひお越しください。
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した。またぜひおこしください。
Thank you so much for coming all this way today. Please do visit us again.
Romaji: Honjitsu wa wazawaza okoshi itadaki, arigatou gozaimashita. Mata zehi okoshi kudasai. / Reply Romaji: Kochira koso, arigatou gozaimashita. Mata yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
Reply
こちらこそ、ありがとうございました。またよろしくお願いいたします。
こちらこそ、ありがとうございました。またよろしくおねがいいたします。
Thank you as well. I look forward to working with you again.
Gesture & etiquette
Walk with the guest to the elevator or exit. Press the elevator button yourself and step aside. Bow at 30 degrees as the doors close. Return to your office only after the guest is fully out of sight.
The send-off (miokuri) is as important as the welcome in Japanese business culture. Walk the guest to the elevator or building exit — never just wave from the door. Bowing continues until they are out of sight.