Workplace language in context#

As Ken is the CEO of a lingerie manufacturer, many scenes take place in the office. Colleagues use formal speech (keigo) when addressing him, and Ken often responds in kind. Even in dance class, Manaka—who is both his instructor and his subordinate—maintains formal speech toward him. This makes the manga a valuable source for observing polite language in professional settings.

Source: Tsuneki Netaro, Odore Shishido Ken (KODANSHA)

Speaking to older subordinates#

Ken is a relatively young CEO at 40, meaning many of his subordinates are older than he is. In modern Japanese companies, it’s common to use formal speech even toward older employees of lower rank. The manga naturally illustrates this balance of hierarchy, language, and workplace etiquette in a way that learners can easily pick up on.

Source: Tsuneki Netaro, Odore Shishido Ken (KODANSHA)

The Rise of Formality: Compliance and Harassment Concerns#

With stricter compliance rules and heightened awareness of workplace harassment, companies have encouraged employees to use neutral and polite forms of address. Today, it’s standard to call everyone—regardless of gender—by -san (さん), and to maintain honorific speech (keigo) even in casual office interactions. This shift helps prevent misunderstandings and protects against potential harassment claims, but it has also made communication more formal and less personal.

Source: Tsuneki Netaro, Odore Shishido Ken (KODANSHA)

Hierarchy and Age Dynamics#

Traditionally, Japan’s nenkō joretsu (seniority-based hierarchy) meant that most managers were older than their subordinates. However, as workplace structures have become more fluid, younger managers supervising older employees are increasingly common. To avoid emotional conflict or perceived disrespect, younger managers typically continue to use keigo even toward older subordinates, reinforcing the overall formality of office interactions.

The Loss of Familiarity—and Small Acts of Resistance#

While this uniform politeness reduces friction, it also erodes the sense of closeness once fostered through informal language. Some employees now feel that workplace relationships have become overly distant. Interestingly, younger workers sometimes push back against this trend. For example, some deliberately call male juniors by -kun to reintroduce a hint of familiarity into otherwise formal workplaces.

What This Means for Learners#

For Japanese learners, understanding these shifts provides insight into both language and culture. You’ll hear plenty of -san and polite speech in modern offices, but also occasional uses of -kun or informal language that signal trust and closeness. Recognizing these nuances will help you not only speak appropriately but also interpret subtle workplace dynamics in Japan today.

The Relationship Distance Between a New Employee and the Company President#

As a new employee, Manaka grows closer to Ken after their chance meeting at the ballroom dance studio. However, the way she bridges the gap is rather unique—inviting him out for meals and even secretly dancing together in the office.

While Manaka herself doesn’t seem to have romantic feelings for Ken, their level of closeness—between a company president and a new hire—is something that’s typical of manga storytelling and would be highly unusual in real-life Japanese workplaces.

Source: Tsuneki Netaro, Odore Shishido Ken (KODANSHA)