Formal to Superior
Workplace · Reporting
You
ご報告いたします。先ほど〇〇の作業が完了いたしました。
ごほうこくいたします。さきほど〇〇のさぎょうがかんりょういたしました。
I'd like to report in. The [task] has just been completed.
Romaji: Gohoukoku itashimasu. Sakihodo OO no sagyou ga kanryou itashimashita. / Reply Romaji: Otsukaresama. Naiyou wo kakunin shite oku yo.
Reply
お疲れ様。内容を確認しておくよ。
おつかれさま。ないようをかくにんしておくよ。
Good work. I'll review the content.
Gesture & etiquette
Approach your superior's desk from the front. Stand at a respectful distance and wait a moment before speaking if they appear focused. Deliver the report concisely — superior, task name, completion status — in that order. Hand over any relevant documents with both hands. Bow slightly as you finish the report.
Proactive reporting ('houkoku') is one of the three pillars of Japanese workplace communication — houkoku (report), renraku (contact/update), soudan (consult) — known together as 'ho-ren-so'. Reporting task completion without being asked is considered professional diligence. Always report immediately upon completion, not at the end of the day.