When I first started working in Tokyo, I thought Itterasshai was strictly reserved for the entryway of a house. I distinctly remember my first week, watching the office manager chant it at the sales team as they headed out for a whirlwind day of client meetings. At the time, I thought it felt a bit ‘too domestic’ for a high-stakes corporate environment. I was wrong.
In the Japanese business context, Itterasshai isn’t just a goodbye; it is an acknowledgement of the labor ahead. It functions as a verbal ‘go forth with safety and return with success.’ When used by a manager, it serves as a powerful validation of the employee’s mission. By saying it, you are effectively stating: ‘I acknowledge the task you are undertaking, I trust your capability, and I await your safe return to the team.’
A common mistake foreigners make is using it too flippantly. I once witnessed an expat colleague say Itterasshai to a client who was leaving the office. The silence in the room was deafening. Because Itterasshai assumes a level of shared duty or familiarity, using it with a client—who is technically your ‘guest’ or superior—breaks the hierarchical etiquette of Japanese business.
If you’re looking to integrate into the Japanese workplace, understanding the timing of such phrases is vital. Much like mastering the nuances of Onegaishimasu in Japanese Business, your choice of parting words defines your role within the organization’s ecosystem. It is about balancing the ‘inside’ (uchi) and ‘outside’ (soto) dynamics of your firm.
There is also a ‘slang’ variation used in high-intensity startups. Sometimes, coworkers will shorten it to a quick, rhythmic ‘Itte-ra!’. It’s casual, slightly irreverent, and often accompanied by a light clap or a desk tap. However, keep this restricted to internal Slack channels or late-night desk grinds where the corporate mask has finally slipped.
Ultimately, to succeed in Japanese business, one must understand the unspoken rhythms of the office. Just as you must navigate Nittei-chosei to align schedules, you must use your words to align spirits. Don’t just wave goodbye; send your team out with an Itterasshai that carries genuine professional respect.
Scenario:
Colleague A: “Okay, off to the client meeting. See you later!”
Colleague B (You): “Hai, Itterasshai! Ki wo tsukete.” (Right, go and come back! Take care.)
