Introduction in Japanese

When we meet someone for the first time, there is a specific way in
which we introduce ourselves to each other. The language used should
be simple, polite and understandable. The body language and gestures
should be appropriate. In Japan, there are certain greetings, which
should always be used while introducing your self. Introduction in
Japanese is known as "Jiko Shyoukai". Another very important rule to
remember while introduction in Japanese is that of, "Ojigi" which, the
act of bowing is down while greeting each other.

Note: The Japanese people always mention the family name first while
using full names. For example, with the name Kimura Ichirou, Ichirou is
the given name and Kimura is the family name. The Japanese people
do not have middle names. Everyone knows that people in Western
countries put the given name first, so you can introduce yourself
without reversing your name. Outside their families or circle of closest
friends, Japanese adults are rarely addressed by their given names,
even by neighbors or co-workers. Another significant point to
remember is that after the name, the Japanese always use a suffix
"san" which means Mr. or Mrs. or Miss. San is always used after the
name. This is a rule, which everybody needs to follow. Another suffix
"kun" is also used after the name but only for males. "Kun" also means
"Mr." however always keep in mind that san is used for every one and
Kun is used only for men.

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Differences Between English And Japanese

However, when mixing with people from other cultures, this first point
of contact can sometimes be a great cause of confusion!

In some cultures, the first name is not always the given name and
could in fact be the family name. In Japan, for example, all names
consist of a family name (surname), followed by a given name.
And while Westerners say their given name first and their family name
last, Japanese say the family name first and then the rest of their
name. The majority of surnames comprise one, two or three kanji
characters. Japanese names are usually written in kanji (Chinese
characters), although some names use hiragana or even katakana, or a
mixture of kanji and kana.

Male names often end in -r ( son, but also clear, bright; e.g.
Ichir") or -ta ( great, thick; e.g. Kenta"), or contain ichi ( first
[son]; e.g. Kenichi"), kazu (also written with first [son], along
with several other possible characters; e.g. Kazuhiro"), ji ( second
[son] or next; e.g. Jir"), or dai ( great, large; e.g. Daiichi")
while female names often end in -ko ( child; e.g. Keiko") or -mi (
beauty; e.g. Yumi"). Other popular endings for female names include
-ka ( scent, perfume or flower; e.g. Reika") and -na (, or ,
meaning greens; e.g. Haruna").

In addition, there are strict norms governing names in Japanese society

and generally when referring to someone by name, an honorific suffix
is used. Which we could compare to English as follow :

san (), sama () => Mr, Mrs, Miss

dono () => Sir, Madam

In everyday life, san is the most common suffix. -chan is a more

affectionate term, used mainly with friends, family members and
children."-kun" is usually reserved for boys or young men, but can
sometimes be used for girls or young women too.

Dropping the honorific is reserved for ones lover, younger family

members, and very close friends.

Understanding Japanese names and how to address someone in Japan

will go a long way towards making a good first impression during your
first trip to Japan or when you meet a Japanese person for the first
time.