“Shitsurei Itashimasu” — Coming and Going
2026-09-24
In a Japanese office, you may hear someone say 失礼いたします (shitsurei itashimasu) as they enter a meeting room. They pause at the doorway, face the people inside, and give a small bow. In English, “Excuse me” comes close.
“Shitsurei Itashimasu” — Coming and Going
In a Japanese office, you may hear someone say 失礼いたします (shitsurei itashimasu) as they enter a meeting room. They pause at the doorway, face the people inside, and give a small bow. In English, “Excuse me” comes close.
What may surprise you is that they say the same thing when they leave. At the door, they turn back toward the people in the room, bow, and say shitsurei itashimasu once more. They do not say it over their shoulder while walking away.
The phrase literally acknowledges a possible lapse in courtesy. Entering takes someone’s attention; leaving changes the gathering. In both moments, the speaker recognizes the people around them.
I have heard these words countless times, but the movement that goes with them says just as much. A person stops, turns, and gives others their attention, even for a second.
That small pause is part of what makes the phrase meaningful to me.
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..