Polite to Colleague
Workplace · Greeting
You
本日からお世話になります。よろしくお願いいたします。
ほんじつからおせわになります。よろしくおねがいいたします。
Starting today, I'll be in your care. I look forward to working with you.
Romaji: Honjitsu kara o-sewa ni narimasu. Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. / Reply Romaji: Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
Reply
こちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。
こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいします。
Likewise, we look forward to working with you.
Gesture & etiquette
Stand upright and bow at 30 degrees when delivering this greeting. If addressing a group, make eye contact across the room as you bow. Speak clearly and project confidence despite any nervousness — first impressions carry significant weight in Japanese workplace culture.
お世話になります' acknowledges that you will be dependent on your colleagues' guidance and support — a humble and relationship-building opening for a new employee. Always say this with a bow to the full team or department on your first day. Consider bringing small individually-wrapped sweets as an introduction gift.