Working in a warehouse in Japan can be a great job for foreigners—it’s stable, the pay is competitive, and you don’t usually need advanced Japanese to start. But even in jobs where English is understood a little, knowing a few key Japanese phrases can make your work smoother and help you build better relationships with your co-workers and supervisors.

Here are the most useful phrases you’ll want to practice before your first day:

1. Greetings

• 「おはようございます」 (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning!
  Warehouses often start early. Greeting your colleagues sets a positive tone for the day.
  
• 「おつかれさまです」 (Otsukaresama desu) – Good job / Thank you for your hard work.
  Say this during breaks or at the end of your shift—it’s part of Japanese work culture.
  

2. Polite Workplace Communication

• 「よろしくお願いします」 (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – A catch-all phrase that means Let’s work well together or I appreciate your help. Use it when receiving instructions or starting tasks.
  
• 「すみません」 (Sumimasen) – This one’s gold. It can mean Excuse me, I’m sorry, or even Thank you. You’ll use it constantly.
  

3. Asking Questions

• 「どこですか？」 (Doko desu ka?) – Where is it? Perfect when you need directions to a section or product.
  
• 「どうすればいいですか？」 (Dousureba ii desu ka?) – What should I do? when you’re unsure.
  

4. During Work

• 「終わりました」 (Owarimashita) – I’ve finished. Use this after completing a task.
  
• 「もう一度お願いします」 (Mou ichido onegaishimasu) – Please say it again. Super helpful if you missed part of the instruction.
  

Why These Phrases Matter

Even if you’re still learning Japanese, showing the effort to use these basic expressions makes a big difference. Your supervisors will see you as cooperative, and your coworkers will respect you more. Plus, it helps avoid misunderstandings on the job.

Pro Tip

Don’t worry about being perfect—warehouse teams are usually supportive if they see you trying. Just practicing a few of these daily will make your shifts smoother and your work life in Japan more enjoyable.