Formal to Client
Workplace · Email
You
誠に恐れ入りますが、〇月〇日のお打ち合わせの日程を変更させていただけますでしょうか。
まことにおそれいりますが、〇がつ〇にちのおうちあわせのにっていをへんこうさせていただけますでしょうか。
I sincerely apologize, but would it be possible to change the date of our [month/day] meeting?
Romaji: Makoto ni osoreirimasu ga, OO tsuki OO ka no ouchi awase no nittei wo henkou sasete itadakemasu deshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Wakarimashita. Dewa, itsu ga yoroshii deshou ka?
Reply
わかりました。では、いつがよろしいでしょうか？
わかりました。では、いつがよろしいでしょうか？
Understood. Then when would be convenient?
Gesture & etiquette
This is an email communication. Send the change request as early as possible — last-minute schedule changes without advance notice are a significant breach of Japanese business etiquette. If the change is unavoidable and close to the date, follow up by phone immediately after the email to ensure it was received and to apologize directly.
Requesting a schedule change requires maximum formality in Japanese business — you are inconveniencing the other party. 'Makoto ni osoreirimasu' (I am truly mortified to ask) is the highest level of apology preface. Always offer at least 2-3 alternative dates in the same email: 'Gotsugou no yoi hi wo ikutsuka oshiete itadakemasu ka?' (Could you let me know a few convenient dates?).