Authentic Business Keigo#

The story features a wide range of business Japanese, including polite language used with clients and superiors.

Because the setting is a large corporation, the keigo used throughout the workplace is formal and well-structured, making this manga especially suitable for learners interested in business Japanese communication.

Source: Ishida Ten / ＮＵＭＢＥＲ８ , SalarymanＺ (KODANSHA<)

Entertainment Meets Business Japanese#

Despite its business theme, the story is highly entertaining and full of tension.

This makes it a rare work where readers can enjoy an exciting narrative while also being exposed to a large amount of keigo in context.

Source: Ishida Ten / ＮＵＭＢＥＲ８ , SalarymanＺ (KODANSHA<)

Where Did This Phrase Come From?#

The phrase was originally used by Haruo Minami, a famous enka singer.

However, he did not mean:

• “Customers are superior to workers”
• “You must obey customers no matter what”

Instead, his intention was closer to:

• Treat the audience (customers) with deep respect and sincerity
• Approach your work with the same mindset as serving something sacred

In other words, it was about the attitude of the performer, not the power of the customer.

From Philosophy to Misunderstanding#

Over time, the phrase spread beyond entertainment into:

• Retail
• Hospitality
• Service industries

But its meaning gradually shifted.

Instead of: 👉 “Serve with sincerity”

It became: 👉 “The customer is always right” (in an extreme sense)

This change transformed a philosophical ideal into a social expectation.

A Reflection of Japanese Business Ethics#

At its core, the phrase reflects a key idea in Japanese culture:

• おもてなし (omotenashi) — wholehearted hospitality

This includes:

• Anticipating customer needs
• Providing careful, detailed service
• Maintaining politeness at all times

In this sense, 「お客様は神様です」 represents an ideal vision of service: a harmony between professionalism, pride, and respect.

When It Becomes a Problem: Customer Harassment (カスハラ)#

n recent years, the phrase has also been used to justify problematic behavior known as:

• カスタマーハラスメント (customer harassment, or “kasuhara”)

This refers to situations where customers:

• Make unreasonable demands
• Speak abusively to staff
• Expect excessive service beyond normal limits

The Hidden Cost of Over-Service#

Excessive service culture can lead to:

• Employee stress and burnout
• Mental health issues
• A workplace where staff cannot say “no”

This creates an unhealthy imbalance where: 👉 The customer holds all the power 👉 The worker must endure everything

A Shift in Modern Japan#

Recently, there has been a growing awareness of this issue.

More companies are beginning to:

• Emphasize that customers and staff are equals
• Set clear boundaries for acceptable behavior
• Refuse unreasonable demands

In other words, the mindset is shifting from: 👉 “The customer is absolute” to 👉 “Respect goes both ways”

What It Means for Learners of Japanese#

Understanding 「お客様は神様です」 helps you:

• Grasp an important concept in Japanese service culture
• Recognize how language can change meaning over time
• Understand modern social issues like customer harassment

It’s a great example of how a single phrase can carry:

• Cultural ideals
• Historical background
• And ongoing social debate

So when you hear this phrase, remember— it’s not just about customers. It’s about how people think about respect, work, and fairness in Japan.

References to Famous Business Leaders#

Maeyamada often quotes well-known Japanese business leaders (including historical figures) when encouraging or persuading others.

International readers may not always recognize these figures, but even among Japanese readers, not everyone is familiar with them—so there’s no need to worry too much about understanding every reference.

Source: Ishida Ten / ＮＵＭＢＥＲ８ , SalarymanＺ (KODANSHA<)