本日は用がありまして、お先に失礼いたします。 — I have a prior engagement today, so please excuse me for leaving first. (Workplace · Greeting, Formal to Superior, JLPT N3)

Gesture & etiquette

Bow at 30 degrees to your direct superior before leaving. If in an open office, also briefly acknowledge nearby colleagues with a nod or small bow as you pass.

Leaving before senior colleagues in Japan requires explicit acknowledgment and apology. 「お先に失礼いたします」is the essential phrase — it shows awareness of group hierarchy and requests permission to break from the collective rhythm of the workplace.