A break with hot green tea and...
how to introduce yourself and be introduced in Japan.
In Japanese language there are many different levels, from an high degree of politeness to a low one, to express yourself accordingly to your status and that of the person you are addressing to.
When meeting someone for the first time, an high level of politeness could be the use the following expression : "Hajimemashite. Watashi no namae wa OO desu. Douzo yoroshiku onegai shimasu".
That means : "How do you do? My name is X. Pleased to meet you".
Actually the expression literary points out that it is the first time that you meet each other and that you ask for the other person's favourable consideration.
You can reply to such an introduction by : "Kochira koso. Douzo yoroshiku". That means : "The pleasure is mine. Glad to meet you".
Instead when yo have to introduce someone you will say : "Kochira wa OO desu". Kochira means "this side, our side". Kochira is actually a bit formal and respectful, so you may change it with kore when you mention someone close to you. In any case remember that, since the importance of groups in Japanese society, when you introduce someone from your own group (that could be your family, your company or school, for istance) to some outsider, you will always have to refer to your side by humble words and by omitting any honorific ending like -san. Such custom also leds to the attitude to avoid any kind of praising or enfasizing the qualities or characterisitcs of your own side, too.
