WORKING WITH JAPANESE CLIENTS
Confirm a deadline with a Japanese client
A delivery date can look clear until two people attach different meanings to it. You may mean the first draft; your client may expect finished files. When working from the UK or US with a client in Japan, name the deliverable, the stage and the time zone in the same message. These examples are starting points: replace every project detail before sending.
Confirm what will arrive
Separate delivery from approval. A draft arriving on Thursday does not mean the client has approved it on Thursday. If their review affects your next task, state that dependency in a separate sentence. Avoid a numeric date such as 10/11, which can be read differently across countries.
Example 1: Confirm the first draft
English: I will send the first design draft by 15:00 Japan Standard Time on 12 October. Could you confirm that this timing works for you?
日本語：デザインの初稿は、10月12日15時（日本時間）までにお送りします。この日程で問題ないか、ご確認いただけますでしょうか。
“By” marks the latest delivery time; “at” suggests a specific appointment. The Japanese example uses までに to preserve the deadline. It also calls the file a first draft, so the recipient is not being asked to treat it as final.
Give a review request its own deadline
A phrase such as “when you have a moment” is polite but leaves the schedule open. Explain what feedback you need and when you need it. If you cannot proceed without it, say so calmly. Do not assume silence means approval.
Example 2: Request feedback
English: Could you send your comments on the headings by 12:00 Japan Standard Time on 14 October? I will revise them after receiving your feedback.
日本語：見出しについてのご意見を、10月14日12時（日本時間）までにお送りいただけますでしょうか。いただいた内容を確認してから修正いたします。
Propose a change before promising it
When timing changes, identify the affected item and propose a realistic replacement. A request to extend a deadline is still a request. Wait for agreement before describing the new date as confirmed, and keep the agreed date in your project notes.
Example 3: Ask to move delivery
English: I need one additional day to check the revised illustrations. Would delivery by 17:00 Japan Standard Time on 16 October work for you?
日本語：修正したイラストの確認に、あと1日必要です。納品を10月16日17時（日本時間）までに変更してもよろしいでしょうか。
Before sending
- Check the month, date, time and time zone against your project calendar.
- Name the exact file or stage: first draft, revised draft or final delivery.
- Keep your commitment distinct from the action you are requesting.
- Check both language versions after changing any number.
Use the level of formality already established with your client. A clear request and a courteous ending usually leave less room for confusion than adding several layers of apology.