What to call your boss, coworkers, and clients in Japan

Equivalent to Mr., Miss, and Ms., there are Japanese titles used when addressing individuals in an office. Though it is rather complicated to use, it will help you make a friendly or polite attitude in business settings. Since Japanese titles have no difference in use for males or females, it would be easier than using Mir or Ms once you learn how to use them.

What to call your boss, subordinates, and coworkers at the office

When calling your boss or seniors at the office, use their title instead of their family name. For example, if you have a boss whose name is Mr. Suzuki and is a section manager, you can call him just "Kacho (=Section manager)" or "Suzuki Kacho" in the office.

When calling your subordinates or coworkers, use their family name followed by -san.

If you have a coworker whose name is Mr. Tanaka, you can call him "Tanaka-san." Seniors sometimes use "-kun" for calling male subordinates, like "Tanaka-kun." Since Japanese people have difficulty pronouncing foreign family names, a first name with "– san" is often used for foreign workers; for example, "Cathy-san" is used for a person named Catharine.

Names to use when talking with your clients or people outside the company.

If you need to mention the name of your boss or coworker in a business setting with clients or people outside of your company, you should use their family name without the suffix –san. If you have a boss whose name is Mr. Suzuki, you are to call him just "Suzuki" with "chino (means of our company)." An example of such a business talk is;
"Regarding the contract, Suzuki (of our company) reviewed and….."
Keiyaku-ni tsuki mashite wa, uchino Suzuki ga kentoushi...
“契約につきましては、うちの鈴木が検討し、・・・“etc.

Names to use for clients or seniors

When calling your clients or seniors, use their family name with "-sama" instead of "-san". –Sama is much more formal than -san. Using –san sounds too casual for clients and should be avoided.

Sensei

For politicians, lawyers, or consultants, we use "Sensei" instead of "san," for example, "Suzuki-sensei." "Sensei" is commonly a title used for a teacher.