In the Japanese business world, the knowledge of certain terminologies and grammar rules are essential for successful communication and ensuring gateways to future business opportunities. This workshop is the first of a five-part series, where participants gain intensive training in business Japanese, focusing on phrases and sentence forms most frequently used in Japanese business environments. It focuses on basic business etiquette in Japan – from “being on time” to “speaking politely.” It seems simple, but mastering these first steps lays the foundation for a successful professional career in Japan.

このワークショップでは敬語の使い方を中心に、ビジネス日本語特有の言い回しを集中的に学習します。ビジネスレベルへのスキルアップを求めている方や敬語に自信のない方におすすめです。

This dynamic and informative language workshop is the perfect opportunity for advanced learners to polish and expand your command of Japanese.

This session is recommended for anyone who retains Japanese competence of JLPT N3 Level or above.  Contact ykato@usajapan.org if you need assistance to gauge your language ability. Space is limited and registration is available on a first come first served basis.

Check-in begins at 5:45 PM

The goals for these workshops include:

1.  learning expressions and vocabularies that are essential to business,
2. acquiring verbal and nonverbal communication strategies for better interaction with Japanese business associates, and
3. learning how to deal with Japanese business people both in formal and informal settings.
   Taking multiple workshops is recommended although choosing one or two workshops is possible.

Please click here to view an outline for Workshop II, III, IV and V.

Teacher – Dr. Masahiko Minami

Dr. Minami is Professor at San Francisco State University where he specializes in Japanese language and cross-cultural studies. He is also Past President of the Foreign Language Association of Northern California (FLANC) and coordinator for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken: JLPT) for Northern California. In addition, he is Past President of the Northern California Japanese Teachers’ Association (NCJTA). Dr. Minami, who received a PhD from Harvard University, is also a guest Professor at the National Institute for Japanese Language & Linguistics, Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Minami was the 2007 recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa Excellence in Teaching Award for Northern California.

Dr. Minami teaches a Business Japanese Course at SFSU throughout the academic year. We are very happy he’s decided to share his expertise with JSNC members and community as well!

The event venue has been provided with generous support from TOTO