Polite to Colleague
Workplace · Socializing
You
本日はお招きいただきありがとうございます。楽しい時間をよろしくお願いします。
ほんじつはおまねきいただきありがとうございます。たのしいじかんをよろしくおねがいします。
Thank you for inviting me today. I look forward to enjoying this time with everyone.
Romaji: Honjitsu wa omanekinitadaki arigatou gozaimasu. Tanoshii jikan wo yoroshiku onegai shimasu. / Reply Romaji: Kochira koso, yoroshiku! Saa, hajimeyou!
Reply
こちらこそ、よろしく！さあ、始めよう！
こちらこそ、よろしく！さあ、はじめよう！
Likewise, welcome! Let's get started!
Gesture & etiquette
Enter with a smile and light bow. Seek out your direct superior or the event organizer first to greet them personally. Remove your coat before entering the dining area. When you find your seat, greet the people sitting near you individually with a small bow. Wait for the kanpai (toast) before drinking.
Nomikai (drinking parties) are a significant part of Japanese workplace culture — attending shows commitment to the team. Arriving on time or slightly early is appreciated. If you do not drink alcohol, simply ordering a soft drink (nonarukuru de) is fully acceptable. Sitting near your most senior colleague for the first part of the evening is the polite arrangement.