Working Remotely for a Japanese Company: Language, Hōrensō and Online Meetings
Working remotely for a Japanese company from abroad usually needs less spoken Japanese than working in Japan, but more written Japanese than people expect. Most communication happens in chat, email and short video calls, so the skills that matter are reading messages quickly, writing polite short replies and keeping your team updated without being asked. Plan around the time difference, learn the habit of 報連相 (reporting, updating and consulting) and practise the set phrases of online meetings, and you will fit in far faster.
How remote work with Japan usually looks
- Chat first. Slack, Microsoft Teams, Chatwork or similar tools carry most daily communication. See chat messages at work in Japanese.
- Email for anything formal. Clients, other departments and anything that needs a record. Our guide to business email in Japanese covers the structure.
- Regular video meetings. Often a weekly team meeting and shorter check-ins, with cameras on or off depending on the team.
- Shared documents. Specifications, minutes and reports, often in Japanese, sometimes with English summaries.
How much Japanese do you need?
| Situation | Typical need |
|---|---|
| International team, English working language | Little or none for the work itself; basic Japanese helps with relationships and company-wide messages. |
| Mixed team, Japanese colleagues use Japanese among themselves | Enough to read chat and documents, often around N3 to N2 reading level. |
| Japanese-speaking team | Business-level reading and writing, and enough listening to follow meetings, often N2 or above. |
| Client-facing role | Confident keigo in email and calls. See keigo basics. |
For more on levels, see what level of Japanese you need to work in Japan.
Hōrensō: keeping your team informed
Japanese teams expect frequent, unprompted updates. The habit is called 報連相 (hōrensō): 報告 (report results), 連絡 (share information) and 相談 (consult before deciding). When you work remotely, your manager can’t see you at your desk, so this matters even more.
- Post a short message when you start and finish a task, or when something is delayed.
- Raise problems early, even if you don’t have a solution yet: ご相談したいことがあります (“there is something I’d like to consult you about”).
- Confirm what you agreed after a meeting in writing.
Online meetings
Online meetings have their own set phrases. A few to learn first:
- 聞こえますか。 (Kikoemasu ka?) “Can you hear me?”
- 画面を共有します。 (Gamen o kyōyū shimasu.) “I’ll share my screen.”
- 少し音声が途切れています。 (Sukoshi onsei ga togirete imasu.) “Your audio is cutting out a little.”
- 確認して、後ほどご連絡します。 (Kakunin shite, nochihodo gorenraku shimasu.) “I’ll check and get back to you.”
Decisions are often made before the meeting through quiet consultation, a practice called 根回し (nemawashi). If you have a concern, raise it with the right person beforehand rather than for the first time in the meeting. See Japanese workplace culture.
Time zones and availability
Japan is ahead of Europe and the Americas by many hours and close to Australian time. Agree on core overlap hours, show your status in chat and say clearly when you will reply. A short message such as 本日はこれで失礼します (“I’m signing off for today”) at the end of your day is appreciated.
Contracts and visas
Whether you are an employee, a contractor or employed through a local entity affects tax, social insurance and your rights. Rules differ by country, so get advice where you live before you sign. If the role might lead to moving to Japan later, see relocating to Japan with your company.
Common questions
Can I work for a Japanese company without speaking Japanese?
Yes, in some international teams. Even then, basic Japanese and an understanding of how Japanese teams communicate make a real difference.
What should I study first?
Reading and writing work messages. Most remote communication is written.
Are camera-off meetings normal?
It depends on the team. Follow what your colleagues do, and turn your camera on for first meetings and client calls.
If you work with a Japanese team, our online Japanese tutors offer business Japanese lessons focused on chat, email and online meetings, at times that suit your time zone. See also business Japanese lessons.