The Japan insight for Business〜

About This Episode

Japanese business phone calls can feel surprisingly formal — even when the message itself is simple.

Why do Japanese people use such polite expressions? Why does it matter who is calling and who is answering? And what should you know when taking a business call in Japan?

This episode explores the culture behind Japanese business phone etiquette, not just the words and rules.

What’s inside?

This 23-page PDF learning material includes:

• 🎙️ The podcast script with furigana
• Follow along with the podcast while checking the Japanese reading and vocabulary.
• 🎨 Original manga
• Learn Japanese workplace culture through easy-to-understand situations and visual storytelling.
• 📚 Vocabulary, grammar & conversational expressions
• Key Japanese words, grammar points, and expressions from the episode are explained in an accessible way.
• 🇯🇵 Common stumbling points for foreigners working in Japan
• Discover situations that may seem confusing or unexpected when working with Japanese colleagues.
• ✏️ Review exercises
• Check your understanding and reinforce what you have learned.

Who is this for?

This material is designed for people who:

• Work or plan to work in Japan
• Work with Japanese colleagues or business partners
• Study Japanese and want to understand Japanese workplace culture
• Want to understand what Japanese people mean, not just what they say

More Than a Japanese Language Textbook

The Japan Insight for Business is not a Japanese language textbook.

It is a series about understanding Japanese workplace culture through language, everyday situations, and the things that are often left unsaid.

Japanese business culture can be difficult to understand from language alone.

Our goal is to help you notice the cultural context behind everyday words, actions, and relationships — so you can better understand what is happening around you at work.