Replying to business email to a Japanese correspondent
Hi,

I am replying in English to a Japanese correspondent about a possible job opportunity and the person in question signed their email off as follows:

"Best Regards,
Kyoko Yaginuma"

Firstly, am I correct in saying this is a female name and also, is it polite to start my reply " Dear Yaginuma San"?

Any other tips for skype interviews with a Japanese person would be great!

Thanks in advance!

Question

Replying to business email to a Japanese correspondent
Hi,

I am replying in English to a Japanese correspondent about a possible job opportunity and the person in question signed their email off as follows:

"Best Regards, 
Kyoko Yaginuma"

Firstly, am I correct in saying this is a female name and also, is it polite to start my reply " Dear Yaginuma San"?

Any other tips for skype interviews with a Japanese person would be great!

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Hi James, 
The first name "Kyoko" is a common female name.
So following is I think the best phrase to start with.

Dear Ms. Yaginuma:

The suffix, "san" is very natural in colloquial language even in formal situations though, I do not use "san" in this case.
I hope this explanation makes sense to you.

Tatsuya

Answers · 1

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