Starting a New Job in Japan: What to Do in Your First Week

Starting a new job is always a big adjustment, but starting a new job in Japan can feel like stepping into a completely different system.

Even if you’ve worked in similar roles before, the way things are done, communicated, and expected can be very different. Whether you’re greeting your coworkers, or asking them questions, small details can carry more weight than you might expect.

The first week, in particular, can feel a bit uncertain. You may not have clear instructions yet, you might not fully understand your role, and there will probably be moments where you’re not quite sure what you should be doing. That’s completely normal.

Understanding what to expect and how to approach those first few days can make a huge difference in how comfortable and confident you feel moving forward.

Before Your First Day

Your first week really starts before you even walk into work for the first time.

Preparation goes beyond just knowing your start date. In Japan, being ready often means thinking through small logistical details that might not be explicitly mentioned.

Make sure you:

• Know exactly how long your commute takes (and add extra time)
• Have any required documents ready
• Understand your start time and aim to arrive early (at least 10 minutes, if not a little more—especially in the beginning

Being late on your first day, even by a small amount, can leave a strong impression.

It’s also worth preparing mentally. Your first few days may involve a lot of waiting, observing, and not fully understanding what’s going on. That’s part of the process, so don’t feel like you need to have everything figured out right away.

What to Expect on Your First Day

Your first day will likely be more about introductions than actual work.

In many workplaces, you’ll be introduced to your coworkers, sometimes formally. You will likely be asked to give a short self-introduction, called a 自己紹介(じこしょうかい), even if it’s just your name, where you’re from, and a brief comment.

NOTE: If you want to make your self-introduction even more natural, give a slight bow (~15 degrees) at the beginning after using the phrase ‘hajimemashite’ (初(はじ)めまして), and a deeper bow (~30 degrees) at the end when you close with something like ‘yoroshiku onegai shimasu’ (よろしくお願(ねが)いします). This is optional, but goes a long way in showing effort and enthusiasm.

After that, the day often involves:

• Being shown around the workplace
• Learning basic routines
• Sitting in on meetings or classes
• Observing rather than actively participating

It’s common to feel like you’re not doing much at first. This doesn’t mean something is wrong. In Japan, there is often a period of adjustment where you’re expected to watch and learn before taking initiative.

The Importance of Aisatsu (Greetings)

One of the simplest but most important things you can do in your first week is greet people properly.

In Japan, aisatsu (挨拶(あいさつ)) — or greetings—are a key part of workplace communication and atmosphere. You’ll notice phrases like:

• “Ohayou gozaimasu” (おはようございます, good morning)
• “Otsukaresama desu” (お疲(つか)れ様(さま)です, a general phrase used throughout the day)

Saying these clearly and consistently, even if your Japanese is limited, goes a long way.

More important than getting everything perfect right away, your focus should be on effort and awareness. Greeting people when you arrive, when you pass them, and when you leave helps establish a positive presence early on. Coworkers will feel more comfortable approaching you if they see you as friendly.

Reading the Room Early On

One of the biggest adjustments when starting a job in Japan is learning how to read the room (空気(くうき)を読(よ)む).

In many workplaces, communication is more indirect than what you might be used to. Instructions may not always be clearly stated, and expectations are often understood rather than explained.

Although this can feel frustrating at times, it’s one of those areas of Japanese culture that feel extremely rewarding when you realize that you’ve finally figured it out.

To this end, it’s helpful to:

• Observe how others interact
• Notice when people speak and when they stay quiet
• Pay attention to hierarchy and group dynamics

You don’t need to figure everything out immediately. In fact, trying too hard to take control early on can sometimes have the opposite effect.

A more effective approach is to watch, listen, and gradually adjust your behavior based on what you see.

Asking Questions the Right Way

There’s a 100% chance that you’ll have questions during your first week. That’s expected. However, how and when you ask those questions can make a difference.

In some cases, people may be hesitant to interrupt others or ask directly in the middle of a busy moment.

If possible, try to:

• Wait for a natural pause
• Ask concise, specific questions
• Show that you’ve thought about the issue first

Even a simple approach like asking, “Is this okay?” (これで大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)でしょうか。) or “Should I do it this way?” (このやり方(かた)でいいですか？。) can be effective.

Most coworkers will be understanding, especially if they see that you’re making an effort to learn.

Building a Good First Impression

First impressions in Japanese workplaces tend to be built on consistency rather than bold actions. In other words, you don’t need to stand out immediately. In fact, it’s often better not to.

Instead, focus on:

• Being on time every day
• Showing a willingness to learn
• Staying attentive, even during quiet periods

Taking notes can also be surprisingly helpful. It shows that you’re engaged and trying to remember processes, even if they seem small.
Over time, these habits build trust more effectively than trying to impress people right away.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to misread expectations during your first week, especially if you’re coming from a different work culture.

Some common mistakes include:

• Trying to take initiative too quickly without understanding the system
• Being overly direct in communication early on
• Assuming that silence means everything is okay

Another common issue is feeling like you need to prove yourself immediately. In reality, most workplaces expect a gradual adjustment period. Remember: it’s okay to take time to learn.

What Gets Easier After the First Week

The first few days are usually the hardest.

After your first week, things often start to feel more manageable. You fall into a pattern and begin to understand:

• Daily routines
• Workplace expectations
• Who to ask for help

Even small things, like knowing where to sit or when to speak, can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel.

You may not feel fully settled right away, but you’ll likely notice that things start to make more sense.

Adjusting Takes Time

Starting a new job in Japan can feel unfamiliar at first, and that’s completely normal.

The structure, communication style, and expectations may take some getting used to, but with a bit of patience and observation, things begin to fall into place.

The most important thing is to keep in mind that your first week isn’t about mastering everything. It’s about showing up, paying attention, and gradually finding your place at work.

Before long, you’ll look back on that first week and realize just how much you’ve already learned.