Workshop A: Japanese Business Etiquette + Restaurant Survival

Do you want to learn Japanese? Then join this workshop and dive into the world of the Japanese language and culture led by the experienced Japanese teacher Manami.

“How to Survive in a Japanese Office — and Order Like a Pro!”

This interactive workshop introduces essential Japanese business etiquette and practical restaurant Japanese — perfect for professionals, students, and anyone interested in Japanese culture.

What You Will Learn

Part 1: Japanese Business Etiquette

Learn the unspoken rules of Japanese office culture through hands-on role-play activities.

Topics include:

• How to hold and present a business card (名刺)
• Formal self-introduction phrases
• How to properly receive and handle a business card
• Common “NG” mistakes (putting a business card in your pocket, writing on it, etc.)

Participants will use business card-sized paper to practise realistic role-play scenarios, making the experience both practical and fun.

You will also learn the three types of Japanese bows:

• Eshaku (15°) – casual greeting
• Keirei (30°) – respectful greeting in business
• Saikeirei (45°) – deepest respect or apology

Through quiz-style activities (“Which bow would you use in this situation?”), participants will physically practice the bows and associated phrases.

Part 2: Restaurant Japanese – Order with Confidence

By the end of this session, you’ll be able to order in Japanese at a Japanese restaurant — even in London!

You will learn:

• Key ordering phrases and vocabulary
• How to ask for recommendations
• Expressions for describing taste and flavour
• How to give feedback after a meal

Using photo menus and role-play scenarios, participants will practise real-life ordering situations. Chopsticks etiquette will also be introduced, including practical demonstrations.

Goal: Before this workshop ends, you’ll be able to order in Japanese at a Japanese restaurant confidently.

What You Can Bring Home

You’ll walk away knowing how to exchange business cards without panic, bow at the correct angle (no accidental 90° apologies!), and order in Japanese with confidence — impressing colleagues and restaurant staff alike.

Workshop B: Japanese Travel Survival

“You’re Going to Japan — Now What?”

Planning a trip to Japan? This practical and engaging workshop prepares you for real-life communication situations you will actually face in Japan.

Through immersive role-play activities, participants will imagine they have just arrived in Japan and must navigate daily situations using Japanese.

What You Will Learn

Topics include:

Shopping in Japan

• Useful phrases for browsing and purchasing
• Asking about price, size, and tax-free shopping
• Paying at the register

Taking the Train

• Buying tickets
• Asking about platforms
• Understanding basic station announcements
• Asking for help when lost

 Asking for Directions

• How to approach someone politely (“Sumimasen” — the magical word!)
• How to ask where something is
• Understanding simple directions

A key highlight of this workshop is the cultural nuance of “sumimasen.”
Participants will learn how this single word can mean:

• “Excuse me”
• “I’m sorry”
• “Thank you (for the inconvenience)”

Role-play exercises make the learning dynamic, memorable, and confidence-building.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll feel ready to travel to Japan and communicate politely and effectively in real-life situations.

What You Can Bring Home

You’ll leave ready to navigate Japan without interpretive charades — confidently shopping, catching the right train, asking for directions, and mastering the magical word “sumimasen” like a local.