How to Write Emails and Letters in Japanese

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March 25, 2025

How to Write Emails and Letters in Japanese

Learning how to write emails and letters in Japanese is an essential skill if you are planning to study, work, or do business with Japan. Japanese communication is deeply rooted in politeness, respect, and structure, which makes it very different from English writing styles.

Whether you are a student, job seeker, business professional, or language learner, mastering emails in Japanese can greatly improve your career and cultural understanding.

In this complete guide, you will learn:

  • How to write an email in Japanese
  • How to write a letter in Japanese
  • Japanese business email examples
  • Sample Japanese letter to a friend
  • How to end an email in Japanese
  • Japanese email address format
  • Common phrases used in Japanese emails and letters

Let’s begin step-by-step.

Learn more about Japanese writing systems, including Kanji, in our detailed guide

Why Learning Japanese Email and Letter Writing Is Important

In Japan, written communication reflects your character, professionalism, and respect for others. A small mistake in tone can make your email sound rude or careless.

Good Japanese writing skills help you:

  • Apply for jobs in Japanese companies
  • Communicate with Japanese clients
  • Study in Japan
  • Pass Japanese language exams (JLPT, NAT-TEST)
  • Build strong professional relationships

That’s why Japanese writing etiquette is just as important as grammar.

Learn more about the levels and sections of the NAT‑TEST here: https://www.japaneselanguageclasses.com/blog/levels-and-sections-of-nat-exam/

Basic Structure of Emails in Japanese

Before writing, understand the standard format used in Japanese emails.

1. Subject Line (件名 – Kenmei)

Keep it clear and polite.

Example:

件名:お問い合わせについて
(Subject: Regarding Inquiry)

2. Greeting Line (宛名 – Anamei)

Use respectful titles:

  • 様 (sama) – Very polite
  • 先生 (sensei) – Teacher
  • 会社名 + 様 – Company name + sama

Example:

田中様
(Tanaka-sama)

Check the latest NAT‑TEST 2026 schedule by country here: https://www.japaneselanguageclasses.com/blog/japanese-language-nat-test-2026-test-schedule-by-country/

3. Opening Phrase (書き出し – Kakidashi)

Common opening lines:

  • いつもお世話になっております。
    (Thank you for your continued support.)
  • 初めてご連絡いたします。
    (I am contacting you for the first time.)

4. Main Message

Write clearly and politely. Japanese prefers indirect and soft expressions.

5. Closing Phrase (結び – Musubi)

Examples:

  • 何卒よろしくお願いいたします。
    (Thank you for your kind cooperation.)

6. Signature

Include your full name, company, phone number, and Japanese email address if available.

Curious about when JLPT results are released? Find out here: https://www.japaneselanguageclasses.com/blog/when-will-jlpt-december-result-come-out/

How to Write an Email in Japanese (Simple Example)

Japanese Business Email Example

Situation: Asking for course information.

Japanese Email:

件名:日本語コースについてのお問い合わせ

株式会社チームランゲージサービス
ご担当者様

いつもお世話になっております。
私は日本語学習に興味があり、貴校の日本語コースについてお問い合わせいたします。

入学時期、授業料、クラススケジュールについてご案内いただけますでしょうか。

お忙しいところ恐れ入りますが、何卒よろしくお願いいたします。

山田太郎

English Meaning:

Subject: Inquiry About Japanese Course

Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your continued support.
I am interested in learning Japanese and would like to inquire about your courses.
Could you please provide details regarding admission dates, fees, and class schedules?
Thank you for your time and cooperation.

Taro Yamada

Looking for a Japanese language course in East Delhi? Check here: https://www.japaneselanguageclasses.com/blog/japanese-language-course-in-east-delhi/

How to End an Email in Japanese

Common polite endings:

Japanese PhraseMeaning
よろしくお願いいたしますThank you in advance
何卒よろしくお願い申し上げますVery formal thank you
ご返信お待ちしておりますI look forward to your reply
引き続きよろしくお願いいたしますThank you for continued support

These phrases show respect and professionalism.

How to Write a Letter in Japanese

Japanese letters follow a similar structure but are more formal.

Structure of a Japanese Letter

  1. Date (右上 – top right)
  2. Recipient name
  3. Opening greeting
  4. Body
  5. Closing sentence
  6. Your name

Sample Japanese Letter to a Friend

Japanese Letter:

親愛なる美咲へ

元気ですか。久しぶりですね。
私は最近日本語の勉強を始めました。とても楽しいです。
いつか一緒に日本へ旅行したいですね。

体に気をつけてください。
また連絡します。

友より
さくら

English Meaning:

Dear Misaki,
How are you? It’s been a long time.
I recently started studying Japanese. It is very enjoyable.
I hope we can travel to Japan together someday.

Take care of your health.
I will contact you again.

Your friend,
Sakura

 

 

Write a Letter in Japanese Translation (English → Japanese)

English:

Dear Sir,
I am writing to apply for the Japanese language course.
Please provide me with details about the next batch.
Thank you for your time.

Japanese:

拝啓

私は日本語コースに応募するためにご連絡いたしました。
次回のクラスについての詳細をご案内いただけますでしょうか。

お忙しいところありがとうございます。

敬具

Japanese Email Address Format

A Japanese email address usually follows this style:

firstname.lastname@company.co.jp

Example:

taro.yamada@teamlanguages.com

For students:

name123@gmail.com

Use simple, professional names without nicknames.

Common Useful Phrases for Emails in Japanese

JapaneseMeaning
お世話になっておりますThank you for your support
ご確認くださいPlease check
申し訳ございませんI sincerely apologize
ありがとうございますThank you
失礼いたしますBest regards

Mistakes to Avoid in Japanese Emails

  • Being too direct
  • Using casual language in business
  • Forgetting honorifics (様, 先生)
  • Writing long emotional sentences
  • Skipping greetings and closings

Japanese writing values humility and politeness.

Learn Professional Japanese Writing with Team Language Services

If you want to master Japanese email writing, letter writing, and business communication, expert guidance is essential.

At Team Language Services, we provide:

  • Certified Japanese language courses
  • JLPT & NAT-TEST preparation
  • Business Japanese training
  • Email & corporate communication practice
  • Experienced native-level trainers

Visit Us

Team Language Services
2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park,
Gali No - 2, Laxmi Nagar,
New Delhi - 110092

Call Us

📞 +91 8700956038

Email Us

📧 tls@teamlanguages.com

Our experts help you speak and write Japanese confidently for jobs, studies, and business.

FAQs: How to Write Emails and Letters in Japanese

1. How to write an email in Japanese as a beginner?

Start with simple polite phrases like:

いつもお世話になっております。

Keep sentences short and respectful.

2. How to end an email in Japanese politely?

Use:

よろしくお願いいたします。

It is safe for both formal and semi-formal emails.

3. What is the difference between casual and business Japanese emails?

Casual emails use plain form. Business emails use keigo (敬語), which is polite and formal.

4. How to write a letter in Japanese for official purposes?

Use formal words like:

拝啓 / 敬具

This shows professionalism and respect.

5. Can I use English structure while writing Japanese emails?

No. Japanese emails follow a different cultural flow focused on politeness first, message second.

6. Why should I learn Japanese email writing professionally?

Because Japanese companies judge your communication skills before hiring.

Final Thoughts

Mastering how to write emails and letters in Japanese opens doors to international careers, higher studies, and strong professional relationships. With the right structure, polite expressions, and cultural understanding, you can communicate confidently in Japanese.

For expert training and practical guidance, Team Language Services is your trusted partner in mastering Japanese communication skills.

Start your Japanese learning journey today! 🇯🇵

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