When working in a Japanese company or working part-time at a Japanese convenience store or restaurant, it's useful to remember how to address your boss. In Japan, it's common to address your boss by their job title rather than their name. What kinds of job titles are there in Japanese companies and workplaces? Make sure you remember them so you won't get into any trouble when working in Japan.
1.Store manager (tenchō)
"Tencho (tenchō)" means a store manager. A "tencho (tenchō)" manages employees, goods, and money.
Example sentences
The newly assigned store manager works with a sense of responsibility.
Atarashiku haizokusareta tenchō wa sekininkan wo motte hataraiteiru.
The newly assigned manager works with a sense of responsibility.
2.AreaManager
An "area manager (eria manējā)" is a person who manages store operations and sales in a local or regional area. They ensure that the store is running smoothly and support the "store manager (tenchō)."
Example sentences
I have a message from the area manager.
Eria manējā kara dengon wo azukatte imasu.
I have a message from the area manager.
3.Factory manager(kōjōchō)
The "factory manager (kōjōchō)" is the person with the most responsibility in a factory. He manages the people who work in the factory, the products that are made in the factory, and the machines that are used in the factory. "Factory (kōjō)" means a place where things are made.
Example sentences
Tanaka was appointed as the factory manager of a new factory in Hokkaido.
Tanaka-san wa Hokkaido ni dekita kōjō no kōjōchō ni ninmei sareta.
Mr. Tanaka was appointed as the plant manager of a new factory in Hokkaido.
Next, let's talk about job titles in a company. In Japan, we refer to our superiors by their job title, or by their last name (Suzuki) and their job title (shunin), such as "Suzuki Shunin." Let's take a look at job titles in a company from the perspective of a low-ranking employee.
4. Chief(shunin)
"Shunin" means chief, a leader who oversees regular employees. In small companies, a shunin oversees all regular employees. In large companies, there is a shunin for each group. Some companies call a shunin a "chief."
Example sentences
Sato-san is a considerate and excellent supervisor.
Sato-san wa kikubari ga dekiru rippana hito da.
Mr. Sato is an excellent chief who is considered.
5. Section chief(kakarichō)
"Kacho (kakarichō)" means "chief" and is a higher position than "syunin (chief)." Both "syunin (chief)" and "kacho (kakarichō)" are translated as "chief" in English, but in Japan they have different ranks. In Japan, the ranks go up in the order of "syunin (chief)" → "kacho (kakarichō)" → "kacho (section chief)" → "buchō (department chief)."
Example sentences
The section chief is out today.
Kakarichō wa honjitsu gaishutsu shite orimasu.
The chief is out today.
6.Section chief (kachō)
"Kacho (kachō)" means manager, and is a higher position than "kacho (kakarichō)." Up until the "kacho (kakarichō)" level, the job is actually to do the work, but for "kacho (kachō)," the job also involves managing people, things, and situations.
Example sentences
Yamada was promoted to section manager.
Yamada-san wa shōshin shite kachō ni natta.
Mr. Yamada was promoted and became a manager.
7.Buchō
A "buchō" (department head) is a director and is a higher-ranking position than a "kachō" (section head). They have around 50 to 100 subordinates. The job of a "buchō" (department head) is to create a comfortable working environment and plan the company's strategy.
Example sentences
I follow the instructions of the department head.
Watashi wa buchō no shoji ni shitagai masu.
I will follow the director's instructions.
8.Managing Director(senmu)
A "senmu" is an executive director who assists the "shachō" (president). They work with the "shachō" (president) to come up with company strategies and act as an intermediary between the "shachō" (president) and the "employees" (shain). They work alongside the "shachō" (president) to help him with his work.
Example sentences
The executive vice president's secretary is retiring, so we'll need to find a replacement.
Senmu no hisho ga taishokusuru no de kōnin wo sagasō.
The executive director's secretary is retiring, so we need to find a replacement.
9.VicePresident
A "vice president" is the person with the second highest responsibility after the president. They assist the president and act as a substitute for the president when the president is absent. Some companies do not have a "vice president."
Example sentences
The vice president owns 10% of the total shares.
Fuku shachō no hoyū kabushiki wa zentai no 10-pāsento da.
The vice president owns 10% of the company's stock.
10.President (shachō)
"Shachou (shachō)" is the president of a company. He may also have the title "Daihyō torishimariyaku (representative director)." A company may have only one "Shachou (shachō)," but a company may have multiple "Daihyō torishimariyaku (representative directors)."
Example sentences
It's an honor to meet you, Mr. President.
Shachō ni omenikakaru koto ga dekite kōei desu.
I am honored to meet the president.
Example sentences
Our company's representative director is President Sato.
Wagasha no daihyō torishimariyaku wa Satō shachō desu.
The representative director of our company is President Sato.
11.Chairman
The chairman (kaichō) is in a higher position than the president (shachō), but the decision-making power for the company lies with the president (shachō). The chairman (kaichō) can be considered an advisor to the president (shachō). Some people hold the positions of both chairman (kaichō) and president (shachō).
Example sentences
I was moved by the chairman's speech.
Kaichō no ohanashi ni kandō shimashita.
I was impressed by the story of the chairman.
When working for or negotiating with a Japanese company, it is easier to communicate appropriately if you confirm who is in what position. If you don't know how to address someone, it's a good idea to ask, "What should I call you?"
In fact, there are many other job titles in Japanese companies, such as "Jicho (Deputy Director)" and "Shitsuchō (Office Manager)." Do you know what these are? If you're even slightly curious about Japanese, Experienced teachers teach practical Japanese Human Academy Japanese Language Learning Plus Register for free Why not give it a try? We also offer free trial lessons!