Module 3.2 Culture notes

In Japan, people introduce themselves using their family name first followed by their given name. For example, Tanaka Kei: Tanaka is the family name and Kei is the given name.

When Japanese introduce themselves to Westerners, some would switch the order saying the given name first to be followed by their family name to follow the guest country’s tradition.

At a Japanese workplace, co-workers tend to address each other using their last name + さん (san) to call each other Mr./Mrs./Ms./Miss so-and-so.

In addition, supervisors sometimes would call their subordinates using their last names only without さん(san).

Furthermore, in Japan, subordinates most of the time would address their supervisors using their titles. For example, Mrs. Tanaka is the president (社長, shachou) of the company, her subordinates or people outside the company often would call her 田中社長 (Tanaka shachou), which means President Tanaka.

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