Formal to Client
Workplace · Phone
You
お留守のようですので、伝言をお残しします。折り返しお電話いただけますでしょうか。
おるすのようですので、でんごんをおのこしします。おりかえしおでんわいただけますでしょうか。
It appears you are unavailable, so I am leaving a message. Could you please call me back?
Romaji: O-rusu no yo desu no de, dengon wo o-nokoshi shimasu. Orikaeshi o-denwa itadakemasu desho ka. / Reply Romaji: (voicemail — no direct reply)
Reply
（留守電メッセージのため、直接の返答なし）
（るすでんメッセージのため）
(Voicemail message — no direct reply in this context)
Gesture & etiquette
Speak at a clear, measured pace. State your name and company first, then the purpose, then your phone number — twice. Close with your available callback hours: 'XX-ji kara XX-ji no aida de shitara saiwai desu' (I would appreciate a call between X and X o'clock).
Japanese voicemail etiquette requires stating your name, company, and phone number clearly — often twice. Keep the message brief and specific. Follow up the same day with an email containing the same request, as many Japanese professionals check email more reliably than voicemail.