Hangyoku (hangyoku)
はんぎょく
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Service Occupations
- Middle : Customer Service and Food Service Occupations
- Minor : Hospitality Entertainment Workers and Geisha
Summary
A job handling Japanese-style customer service in ryotei and ryokan, performing serving and guest reception at banquet seats.
Description
Hangyoku are Japanese-style customer service staff at ryotei, ryokan, and geisha houses, handling tea serving, sake and dishes service, guiding guests to tatami rooms, and cleanup. Proficient in kimono dressing and manners, they support the banquet atmosphere with polite demeanor and attentive care. They collaborate with geisha as needed to assist overall entertainment. Involves long hours of standing work and night shifts, requiring physical stamina and endurance.
Future Outlook
While there is steady demand as a traditional Japanese-style hospitality occupation, the difficulty of skill acquisition is increasing due to successor shortages and the rise in foreign tourist handling. Job openings at high-class ryotei and ryokan are expected to persist.
Personality Traits
Able to Respond Flexibly / Amiable / Patient / Polite and Courteous
Work Style
Full-time / Japanese Attire Required / Night Shifts / Shift Work
Career Path
Hangyoku (Apprentice) → Nakai → Jochu → Okami Assistant → Okami
Required Skills
Banquet Serving / Customer Service Manners / Japanese Attire Manners
Recommended Skills
Communication Skills (English) / Kimono Dressing / Tea Ceremony Procedure
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Because flexible responses adapted to customer requests and atmosphere are required. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because attention to details such as kimono dressing and utensil handling is required. |
| Communication Skills | Because they directly interact with customers, requiring polite language and attentiveness. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because endurance is required for standing work and long hours. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because high stress tolerance is needed for nighttime and long-hour customer service. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Because it emphasizes traditional manners over novel idea generation. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because calculation tasks are minimal, limited to simple billing. |
Related Jobs
- Geisha
- Jochu
- Maiko
- Nakai