Giving a Short Speech (Aisatsu) in Japanese: Structure and Set Phrases
A short speech in Japanese, called an あいさつ or スピーチ, follows a predictable pattern: thank the audience, introduce yourself briefly, say one or two things that matter, and close with a set phrase such as 今後ともよろしくお願いいたします. Whether it’s a welcome at a company event, a farewell at work or a toast at a party, one to three minutes is usually enough, and a well-practised short speech is far better received than a long one.
The basic structure
- Opening thanks: 本日はお忙しい中、お集まりいただきありがとうございます。 (Thank you for coming today despite your busy schedules.)
- Who you are: 〇〇社の〇〇と申します。
- The main point: one or two short messages, with a concrete example or memory.
- Closing: a set phrase that fits the occasion.
Common occasions and closing phrases
| Occasion | Typical closing |
|---|---|
| Joining a team | ご指導のほど、よろしくお願いいたします。 |
| Leaving a company | 皆さまのますますのご活躍をお祈りしております。 |
| Welcoming visitors | どうぞ有意義な時間をお過ごしください。 |
| Toast at a party | それでは、乾杯！ |
| End-of-year party | 来年もよろしくお願いいたします。 |
Tips for sounding natural
- Be modest. Phrases like まだまだ未熟ですが (I still have much to learn) are expected, even from experienced people.
- Credit others. Thank the people who helped you by name or role.
- Keep it short. Write about 300 to 600 Japanese characters for one to two minutes.
- Avoid unlucky words at celebrations, like words for ending or breaking at a wedding; see Japanese wedding speeches.
- Bow before and after you speak.
Leaving or joining a Japanese workplace
A farewell speech is often given in the office on your last day, and a self-introduction on your first. See resigning from a Japanese company, your first week at a Japanese company and the Japanese self-introduction.
Practise out loud
Read the speech aloud several times, record yourself, and mark where to pause. If reading is hard, write it in hiragana above the kanji. For longer talks with slides, see giving a presentation in Japanese.
How Hanabuddies can help
A native tutor can help you write a short speech that fits the occasion, polish the keigo, and rehearse it with you until it sounds natural. If you write it in English, we can translate it into Japanese that sounds like you, and coach your delivery.