Chief, I'm going to the airport now to pick up Mr. Smith.
Chief1:
What time is Mr. Smith arriving?
Tanaka2:
He's supposed to arrive on the 12:00 flight, so I'll get there about ten minutes early and wait for him.
Chief2:
He may be tired, so take a taxi and see him to his hotel.
Tanaka3:
Yes, I will. I think I'll be back before five.
Tanaka meets Mr. Smith at the airport.
Tanaka4:
You must be tired after such a long trip.
Smith4:
No, I'm fine. But I'm a little hungry.
Tanaka45:
Then, would you like to get something to eat somewhere?
Smith5:
That sounds good.
The two go to a restaurant at the airport.
Server6:
Welcome. How many are in your party?
Tanaka46:
Two.
Server7:
You may place your luggage in the luggage area here.
Tanaka47:
Oh, thank you.
Server8:
Would a table by the window be all right?
Tanaka48:
Yes.
Server9:
Right this way, please.
The two take their seats at a table.
Server10:
Please let me know when you're ready to order.
Cultural Notes
1.
Paying and tipping
One important difference between Japan and the United States is tipping. Tipping restaurant servers is not customary in Japan. You normally pay only the amount on the bill, including any applicable service or table charges. You do not need to calculate an additional percentage for your server. In fact, leaving extra money on the table may cause confusion because the staff may think that you accidentally left your money behind. A simple ありがとうございます or ごちそうさまでした is an appropriate way to show your appreciation for good service. Depending on the restaurant, you may pay at your table or take your bill to a cashier near the entrance.
2.
Honorific Language in Customer Service
In Japan, employees in restaurants, hotels, department stores, and other service businesses normally use polite and honorific language when speaking to customers. Customers, however, are not expected to use the same level of honorific language when speaking to employees. You can see this difference in levels of politeness between the restaurant staff and the customers in the conversation above.