Formal to Acquaintance
Cultural · Greeting
You
はじめまして。〇〇と申します。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
はじめまして。〇〇ともうします。どうぞよろしくおねがいいたします。
How do you do. My name is [Name]. I am very pleased to meet you and look forward to our relationship.
Romaji: Hajimemashite. OO to moushimasu. Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. / Reply Romaji: Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
Reply
こちらこそ、よろしくお願いいたします。
こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいいたします。
Likewise, I look forward to getting to know you.
Gesture & etiquette
Bow at approximately 30 degrees while saying the phrase — the depth of the bow signals the formality of the occasion. Maintain the bow for about 2-3 seconds. Make eye contact briefly before and after the bow, but not during the bow itself. If exchanging business cards, offer yours with both hands immediately after the introduction.
The phrase 'moushimasu' (humble form of 'to say one's name') is the correct humble form for introducing yourself to someone of equal or higher status. 'Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu' has no direct English equivalent — it means something like 'I entrust myself to your kindness and goodwill going forward.' It is the single most important phrase in Japanese social introductions.