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More keigo is not always more polite

Aug 12, 2026

Japan’s cultural council keigo guideline (2007) stresses judgment over a single “correct” honorific script. One practical rule for email: match packaging weight to task weight.

Lighten an over-packed closing

Input
ご確認のほど何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます。
Natural Japanese
ご確認のほどよろしくお願いいたします。

The input is grammatical but heavy (何卒 + 申し上げます). A Standard restyle drops the extra weight while staying polite — better for a light check-in.

Rewritten with Tadashii Kotoba — Standard style (live API).

A proportional Business ask

Input
Please check this when you can.
Natural Japanese
お手すきの際に、ご確認いただけますでしょうか。

A short English ask becomes a light Business wrap (お手すきの際に + いただけますでしょうか) — polite without pleading.

Rewritten with Tadashii Kotoba — Business style, recipient: colleague (live API).

The same idea applies in reverse: a serious apology or refusal needs enough weight. Light です・ます alone can sound cold when the content is heavy.

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Keigo Email Polisher