Introducing yourself is the first step in any new conversation—whether you’re meeting classmates, joining a company, or speaking at a cultural event. In Japan, self-introduction, known as "Jiko Shoukai" (自己紹介), is an essential part of communication. Learning how to properly give your self-introduction in Japanese can help you build better relationships, leave a good impression, and succeed in interviews or student exchanges.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore how to craft a self-introduction in Japanese for different contexts—formal, casual, interviews, and beginner-friendly versions. You’ll also see examples in Japanese Hiragana and Romaji, along with English translations. Let’s get started!

What is Jiko Shoukai (自己紹介)?

Jiko Shoukai (自己紹介) translates to “self-introduction” in English. It’s a basic yet essential part of communication in Japanese culture, especially in formal or group settings. Whether you're a student, job applicant, or professional, knowing how to introduce yourself properly in Japanese shows respect, confidence, and cultural awareness.

You’ll often be asked to give a Jiko Shoukai in the following situations:

•  At schools or universities (especially on the first day of class)
   
•  During job interviews or internship applications
   
•  In business meetings or workplace introductions
   
•  In language classes when meeting new classmates or teachers

Learn more about course timelines in our Japanese Course Duration Guide.

Structure of a Jiko Shoukai

A proper Jiko Shoukai typically follows a clear and polite format. Here’s a simple structure you can follow:

1. Greeting – Start with a polite phrase like
     Hajimemashite (はじめまして) – “Nice to meet you.”
    
2. Name – Introduce your full name.
     Watashi wa [Name] desu. – “I am [Your Name].”
    
3. Nationality or Origin – Mention where you’re from.
     [Country] kara kimashita. – “I am from [Country].”
    
4. Occupation or School – Say what you do.
     Gakusei desu. – “I am a student.”
     Shigoto wa [Occupation] desu. – “My job is [Occupation].”
    
5. Hobbies/Interests – Share something fun or personal.
     Shumi wa [Hobby] desu. – “My hobby is [Hobby].”
    
6. Closing phrase – End respectfully.
     Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします) – “Please be kind to me” or “Nice to meet you.”

For a comprehensive breakdown of the JLPT exam pattern and format, including level-wise structure, scoring, and time allocation, explore our detailed guide: JLPT Exam Pattern & Test Format.

Basic Self Introduction in Japanese for Beginners

Learning how to introduce yourself in Japanese is a great first step for any language learner. Whether you're joining a class, meeting Japanese friends, or preparing for a trip to Japan — a simple and polite self-introduction (自己紹介, Jiko Shoukai) is essential.

Below is a beginner-friendly example of a self-introduction that you can easily memorize and use:

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Example: Self Introduction in Japanese

こんにちは。わたしは アミ です。  

(Konnichiwa. Watashi wa Ami desu.)  

Hello. I am Ami.

インドからきました。  

(Indo kara kimashita.)  

I am from India.

がくせいです。  

(Gakusei desu.)  

I am a student.

しゅみは えいがを みることです。  

(Shumi wa eiga o miru koto desu.)  

My hobby is watching movies.

よろしくおねがいします。  

(Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)  

Nice to meet you.

Learn the essentials in our How to Write a Japanese Resume guide.

Self Introduction in Japanese for Interview

In formal settings like job interviews in Japan, your self-introduction (Jiko Shoukai - 自己紹介) must follow a polite, structured, and respectful tone. Using formal Japanese (keigo) leaves a strong impression and shows cultural awareness.

Below is a professional example, followed by line-by-line explanation in English.

Formal Interview Self-Introduction Example:

はじめまして。わたしは ラヴィ・クマール と もうします。
(Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Ravi Kumar to moushimasu.)
Nice to meet you. My name is Ravi Kumar.

インドのデリーからまいりました。
(Indo no Derii kara mairimashita.)
I am from Delhi, India.

マーケティングの けいけんが あります。
(Maaketingu no keiken ga arimasu.)
I have experience in marketing.

まじめで せっきょくてきな せいかくです。
(Majime de sekkyokuteki na seikaku desu.)
I am serious and proactive in nature.

どうぞよろしくおねがいいたします。
(Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.)
Thank you for your time / I look forward to working with you.

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Explanation and Breakdown

Let’s break down this formal self-introduction line by line to understand the meaning and structure behind each sentence.

1. Greeting and Name
Use “Hajimemashite” for first meetings. "Moushimasu" is the humble, formal version of "desu" when saying your name.

2. Origin or Nationality
Use "kara mairimashita" instead of "kara kimashita" to show humility. This is important in business Japanese.

3. Work Experience or Background
Clearly state your field or relevant experience. For example, "IT no keiken ga arimasu" (I have experience in IT).

4. Personality Traits
Mention qualities that are valued in Japanese work culture, like sincerity (まじめ) and being proactive (せっきょくてき).

5. Closing
“Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu” is a polite and formal way to close any introduction in a business or interview setting.

Master conversation with our How to Ask Questions in Japanese guide.

Tips for Self-Introduction in Japanese Interviews

Mastering the structure is just the first step—now let’s look at some essential tips to make your self-introduction truly stand out in a Japanese interview.

• Use respectful keigo (honorific language).
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Maintain eye contact and proper posture.
• Slightly bow after finishing your self-introduction.
• Avoid casual or slang expressions.

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Self Introduction in Japanese for Students

As a student, whether you're participating in a Japanese class or an exchange program, here’s how you can introduce yourself:

Example for Students:

こんにちは。わたしは リア です。
 (Konnichiwa. Watashi wa Ria desu.)
 Hello. I’m Ria.

インドのムンバイからきました。
 (Indo no Mumbai kara kimashita.)
 I come from Mumbai, India.

にほんごを べんきょうしています。
 (Nihongo o benkyou shiteimasu.)
 I am studying Japanese.

どうぞよろしくおねがいします。
 (Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)
 Nice to meet you.

This is a helpful self-introduction in Japanese for beginners and students alike.

Start with the basics using our Common Japanese Greetings & Words guide.

Formal vs Informal Self Introduction in Japanese

Now that you’ve seen examples of self-introductions, it’s important to understand when to use formal or informal language in Japanese.

Use “to moushimasu” (polite) instead of “desu” in formal situations like interviews or presentations.

Understand the Role of Kanji in JLPT to boost your exam prep.

Self Introduction in Japanese Hiragana and Romaji

Here’s a complete self-introduction written in Hiragana, Romaji, and English.

こんにちは。わたしは タナカ ケン です。
 (Konnichiwa. Watashi wa Tanaka Ken desu.)
 Hello. I am Ken Tanaka.

にほんの おおさかから きました。
 (Nihon no Oosaka kara kimashita.)
 I’m from Osaka, Japan.

えいごの きょうしです。
 (Eigo no kyoushi desu.)
 I am an English teacher.

しゅみは サッカーと りょうりです。
 (Shumi wa sakkaa to ryouri desu.)
 My hobbies are soccer and cooking.

どうぞよろしくおねがいします。
 (Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)
 Thank you and nice to meet you.

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Self Introduction in Japanese Essay Format

When writing an essay-style self-introduction in Japanese, structure it with proper flow. Here’s a sample layout:

Essay Example:

わたしのなまえは マヤ です。インドのチェンナイからきました。いま、にほんごをべんきょうしています。がっこうでせいとかつどうにさんかしています。しゅみはえをかくことと、おんがくをきくことです。しょうらいは にほんで はたらきたいと おもっています。よろしくおねがいします。

Romaji:
Watashi no namae wa Maya desu. Indo no Chennai kara kimashita. Ima, nihongo o benkyou shiteimasu. Gakkou de seito katsudou ni sanka shiteimasu. Shumi wa e o kaku koto to, ongaku o kiku koto desu. Shourai wa Nihon de hatarakitai to omotteimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

Translation:
My name is Maya. I’m from Chennai, India. I’m currently studying Japanese. I participate in school activities. My hobbies are drawing and listening to music. In the future, I want to work in Japan. Nice to meet you.

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Quick Tips for Making Your Japanese Self Introduction Effective

Now that you know the basics, here are some quick tips to make your Japanese self-introduction more impactful and memorable.

1. Smile and be confident.
2. Use “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” at the end—it’s polite and essential.
3. Keep your sentences short and clear.
4. Adjust formality based on context.
5. Practice aloud to improve fluency and tone.

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FAQs – Self Introduction in Japanese

Q1. What is the meaning of “Watashi wa ___ desu”?
 A: It means “I am ___.” For example, “Watashi wa Rahul desu” means “I am Rahul.”

Q2. What does ‘Yoroshiku onegaishimasu’ mean?
 A: It’s a polite phrase meaning “Please treat me well” or “Nice to meet you.”

Q3. How do I introduce myself in Japanese if I’m a student?
 A: Say:
「わたしは がくせいです。」(Watashi wa gakusei desu.)
“I am a student.”

Q4. How long should my self-introduction be in a Japanese interview?
 A: Keep it brief—3-5 lines covering name, origin, experience, and one strength or hobby.

Q5. Is it important to use honorifics in formal introductions?
 A: Yes. Use polite forms like “to moushimasu” instead of “desu” in interviews.

Final Thoughts

Mastering your self-introduction in Japanese opens doors in academic, professional, and cultural settings. Whether you're a student, job-seeker, or language enthusiast, practice and confidence are key. Use the examples and tips in this article to make a lasting impression in Japanese.

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