Jikoshokai Guide

Here we will guide you through the fundamentals of delivering a proper Japanese style self introduction (hint: it's not just saying your name), called a Jikoshokai, and offer tips on how to elevate your self-introduction skills to the next level. 

Basic Jikoshokai

A Jikoshokai (自己紹介, じこしょうかい) is a Japanese self-introduction, often used in both formal and informal settings. It typically includes basic personal information such as your name, age, where you are from, your occupation or role, and sometimes a few personal interests or hobbies. In professional or educational environments, like schools, a Jikoshokai is an important way to introduce yourself to colleagues, students, and others, helping to establish rapport and foster better communication. 

Lets start by breaking down the basics:

1. Greeting (あいさつ - Aisatsu)

• - Begin with a polite greeting. Common phrases include:

• - こんにちは (Konnichiwa) - Good afternoon

• - おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) - Good morning

• - こんばんは (Konbanwa) - Good evening

2. Name (名前 - Namae)

• - State your name. You can use the structure:

• - 私は [your name] です (Watashi wa [your name] desu) - I am [your name]

• - Example: 私は ジョン・スミス です (Watashi wa Jon Sumisu desu) - I am John Smith

3. Origin (出身 - Shusshin)

• - Mention where you are from. The structure is:

• - [Country/city] から来ました ([Country/city] kara kimashita) - I come from [country/city]

• - Example: アメリカから来ました (Amerika kara kimashita) - I come from America

4. Occupation (職業 - Shokugyou)

• - Share your occupation. The structure is:

• - [Occupation] です ([Occupation] desu) - I am a [occupation]

• - Example: 学生です (Gakusei desu) - I am a student

5. Hobbies/Interests (趣味 - Shumi)

• - Mention a few hobbies or interests. The structure is:

• - 私の趣味は [hobbies/interests] です (Watashi no shumi wa [hobbies/interests] desu) - My hobbies are [hobbies/interests]

• - Example: 私の趣味は読書と旅行です (Watashi no shumi wa dokusho to ryokou desu) - My hobbies are reading and traveling

6. Closing (締めの言葉 - Shime no kotoba)

• - End with a polite phrase such as:

• - よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) - Please treat me favorably

• - どうぞよろしくお願いします (Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu) - Please treat me favorably (more polite)

Build Your Own Jikoshokai

Lets take out John Smith's information and replace it with your own to build your very own basic Jikoshokai:

こんにちは。
Konnichiwa.
Hello

私は (Your Name) です。
Watashi wa (Your Name) desu
My name is (Your Name).

(Your Country) から来ました。
(Your Country) kara kimashita
I am from (Your Country).

(Your Occupation) です。 *
(Your Occupation) desu
I am a (Your Occupation).

私の趣味は (Hobby 1) と (Hobby 2) です。 **
Watashi no shumi wa (Hobby 1) to (Hobby 2) desu.
My hobbies are (Hobby 1) and (Hobby 2).

どうぞよろしくお願いします。
Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu
Please treat me favorably (Nice to meet you) 

*Your Occupation might be something like student, teacher, engineer, office worker, etc
**Use と (to) to link multiple hobbies, but take it away if only listing one hobby

Leveling Up Your jikoshokai

Now that you have your basic self introduction down, lets try to expand it a bit and make it a little better.  Here are some common things that can be added to a Jikoshokai that can help you start to level it up.

1. Additional Personal Details

• Share more about your background, such as your hometown or specific interests.

• For example:

  • •  私はニューヨーク市のブルックリン出身です
      Watashi wa nyū yōku-shi no burukkurin shusshin desu
      I am from Brooklyn, New York City

2. More on Interests and Hobbies

• Go into detail about your hobbies or why you enjoy them.

• For Example: 

  • • 私は特に歴史小説を読むのが好きです
      Watashi wa toku ni rekishi shōsetsu o yomu no ga suki desu
      I especially like reading historical novels

3. Professional or Academic Background

• Talk about your professional background or field of study.

• For Example: 

  • •  経営学を専攻しています
      Keieigaku o senkō shiteimasu
      I am majoring in business administration

4. Future Aspirations

• Mention your goals or aspirations.

• For Example: 

  • • 将来は日本で働きたいと思っています
      (Shōrai wa Nihon de hatarakitai to omotteimasu
      In the future, I hope to work in Japan

5. Cultural Exchange Interests

• Express your interest in learning more about Japanese culture or language.

• For Example: 

  • • 日本文化にとても興味があります
      Nihon bunka ni totemo kyōmi ga arimasu
      I am very interested in Japanese culture