Translation guide
The most respected or important seat in a room, vehicle, or at a table, often determined by cultural rules.
The most respected seat in a room, at a table, or in a vehicle, based on Japanese etiquette.
The most common term for the seat of honour, used in both formal and everyday contexts. Refers to the seat farthest from the entrance or the most comfortable/commanding position.
The most honoured seat in a car, typically the rear seat behind the front passenger.
In Japan, the seat of honour in a car is the rear seat behind the front passenger. This is considered the safest and most comfortable spot. The driver's seat is never the seat of honour.
The seat of honour in a washitsu (tatami room), determined by the tokonoma (alcove) and entrance.
In a traditional Japanese room, the seat of honour is in front of the tokonoma (decorative alcove), with one's back to it. The lowest seat is nearest the entrance.
和室では、床の間を背にして座るのが上座です。
In a Japanese-style room, sitting with your back to the tokonoma is the seat of honour.
Generally, the seat of honour is the one farthest from the entrance, with the best view, or the most comfortable. In a taxi, it's the rear seat behind the driver. In a private car, it's the rear seat behind the passenger. At a table, it's the seat facing the door or with the best view.
As a host, you should offer the seat of honour to your guest and take a lower seat yourself. Sitting in the seat of honour as a host can be seen as arrogant.
Please guide the guest to the seat of honour.
会議室では、入り口から遠い席が上座です。
In a meeting room, the seat farthest from the entrance is the seat of honour.
A more formal term for a superior's seat, often used in business or official settings. Can also mean a higher-ranking position.
部長はいつも上席に座ります。
The department manager always sits in the seat of honour.
Literally 'hospitality seat', used in the context of tea ceremony or traditional entertaining to refer to the guest's place of honour.
茶室では、おもてなしの席に客を招きます。
In the tea room, the guest is invited to the seat of honour.
It is common to have the guest sit in the right-hand rear seat.