Polite to Colleague
Workplace · Greeting
You
ご昇進おめでとうございます。これからもどうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
ごしょうしんおめでとうございます。これからもどうぞよろしくおねがいいたします。
Congratulations on your promotion. I look forward to continuing to work with you.
Romaji: Goshousin omedetou gozaimasu. Korekara mo douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. / Reply Romaji: Arigatou gozaimasu. Kochira koso yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
Reply
ありがとうございます。こちらこそよろしくお願いいたします。
ありがとうございます。こちらこそよろしくおねがいいたします。
Thank you. Likewise, I look forward to working together.
Gesture & etiquette
Bow at approximately 20-30 degrees when congratulating a newly promoted superior. If the person is a peer, a lighter bow (15 degrees) with a warm smile is appropriate. Timing matters — deliver congratulations promptly after the announcement is made, ideally in person rather than only by email or message.
In Japanese workplaces, congratulating a colleague on their promotion is both expected and important for maintaining goodwill. Adding 'korekara mo yoroshiku' (I look forward to continuing our relationship) acknowledges that the promotion changes their role while affirming the ongoing relationship — this is important when the promoted person becomes your superior.