Do you feel nervous when speaking Japanese with your boss?
You may know what you want to say, but choosing the correct level of politeness can be difficult. Should you use desu/masu, honorific language, or humble language? How can you sound respectful without making the conversation overly formal?
In this one-hour online seminar, Japanese instructor Chika Sono will introduce practical keigo expressions for communicating with your boss in the office.
Rather than studying keigo only as a system of grammar rules, participants will see how it is used in realistic workplace conversations. Chris Larimore will join the seminar as the “student,” asking questions and practicing dialogues with Sono-sensei.
The seminar will cover common situations such as greeting your boss, asking for permission, making a request, reporting progress, and responding appropriately to instructions.
The explanations will be provided in English, with Japanese examples and guided practice. This seminar is suitable for beginner-to-intermediate Japanese learners who want to communicate more confidently and professionally at work.
What You Will Learn
- When and why keigo is used in Japanese workplaces
- How to choose an appropriate level of politeness when speaking with your boss
- Useful expressions for asking permission and making requests
- Polite ways to report progress or explain a problem
- Natural responses when your boss gives you instructions
- Common keigo mistakes made by Japanese learners
Seminar Outline
1. When Should You Use Keigo?
- Understanding workplace relationships
- Speaking with a boss versus speaking with a coworker
- Choosing between polite, honorific, and humble expressions
2. Essential Office Expressions
Participants will learn practical phrases such as:
- お疲れ様です。
Thank you for your hard work. - 少々お時間よろしいでしょうか。
May I have a moment of your time? - 確認していただけますでしょうか。
Could you please check this? - こちらを拝見してもよろしいでしょうか。
May I take a look at this? - 承知しました。
Understood. - 後ほどご報告いたします。
I will report back to you later.
3. Talking with Your Boss
Chika Sono and Chris Larimore will demonstrate short workplace conversations, including:
- Greeting your boss in the morning
- Asking to speak with your boss
- Requesting permission
- Asking your boss to check something
- Reporting that a task has been completed
- Explaining a delay or problem
- Responding to instructions
4. Common Mistakes
Compare expressions that are understandable with expressions that sound more natural and professional.
- Too direct:
これを見てください。
Please look at this. - More appropriate:
こちらを確認していただけますでしょうか。
Could you please check this? - Casual:
わかりました。
Okay, I understand. - Professional:
承知しました。
Understood.
5. Guided Practice
Chris will practice as an employee speaking with his boss. Sono-sensei will explain his choices, correct common mistakes, and introduce more natural alternatives.
Participants will also have an opportunity to repeat key expressions and consider how they would respond in similar situations.
Recommended for People Who
- Work—or hope to work—in a Japanese-speaking office
- Understand basic Japanese but find keigo difficult
- Are unsure how formally to speak with a boss
- Want practical workplace expressions rather than grammar explanations alone
- Would like to sound more respectful and professional in Japanese
- Want to learn through realistic dialogues and guided practice
Learn to Speak with Respect and Confidence
Keigo can seem complicated, but you do not need to master every honorific expression at once.
By learning a small number of useful patterns and practicing them in realistic office situations, you can begin communicating with your boss more naturally, respectfully, and confidently.
We look forward to seeing you at the seminar.
Outline of the event
| Date and time | 2026/10/28（WED） 19：00～20：00 (JST) |
|---|---|
| Schedule | 19：00～19：05 Creek and River Co., Ltd Introduction 19：05～19：50 Presentation by Chika Sono Sensei 19：50～20：00 Q&A |
| Place | Zoom |
| Entry fee | free |
| Capacity | 60 people |
| Organizer | CREEK & RIVER Co., Ltd. |
| Application deadline | 2026/10/28（WED） 20：00 (JST) |
登壇者
Chika Sono氏
Graduated from Meisei University with a degree in Education, specializing in Elementary Education. Completed a 420-hour Japanese Language Teacher Training Program.
While at university, worked at YSC Global School, providing Japanese language education and academic support to children and young people with international backgrounds.
After graduation, taught Japanese to elementary school students at a public Japanese immersion school in Oregon, USA.
Passionate about making Japanese lessons fun, easy to understand, and enjoyable. Values creating a supportive learning environment where students can feel comfortable and confident using Japanese.
Enjoys traveling, both in Japan and abroad.
BA in English Literature, Hendrix College (Arkansas)
MA in English Literature, University of Mississippi (Mississippi)
20 years of experience working for global language companies
Has taught a wide range of classes, including corporate training, university courses, children’s lessons, and TOEIC preparation.
Currently manages language education operations at Creek & River Co., Ltd., focusing on English instruction for Japanese speakers and Japanese instruction for non-native speakers.
Originally from the U.S., he moved to Japan about 30 years ago and lives in a traditional “shitamachi” (old downtown) neighborhood of Tokyo with his wife, son, daughter, and two pet turtles. He enjoys American football, craft beer, Japanese history, and local neighborhood festivals..
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