LINE Messaging Etiquette in Japan
The unwritten rules of Japan's #1 messaging app.
LINE is how Japan communicates. It's not just a messenger — it's the default way to contact friends, coworkers, even your landlord. But the etiquette is different from WhatsApp or iMessage. Understanding the unspoken rules will save you from awkward silences and misread intentions.
First Messages
昨日はありがとうございました！LINEの追加ありがとうございます。
Kinou wa arigatou gozaimashita! LINE no tsuika arigatou gozaimasu.
Thanks for yesterday! And thanks for adding me on LINE.
○○さんに紹介してもらいました、△△です。
XX-san ni shoukai shite moraimashita, XX desu.
I was introduced by [name]. I'm [your name].
この前の飲み会で話した○○です！
Kono mae no nomikai de hanashita XX desu!
I'm [name], we talked at the drinking party the other day!
LINE交換ありがとうございます。よろしくお願いします！
LINE koukan arigatou gozaimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Thanks for exchanging LINE. Looking forward to it!
Group Chats
グループに追加してもらってありがとう！
Guruupu ni tsuika shite moratte arigatou!
Thanks for adding me to the group!
了解です！
Ryoukai desu!
Got it!
ノート見ました。ありがとうございます。
Nooto mimashita. Arigatou gozaimasu.
I saw the note. Thanks.
日程の件、○日でお願いします。
Nittei no ken, XX nichi de onegai shimasu.
About the schedule — [date] works for me.
Stickers & Reactions
スタンプだけで返信してOK？
Sutanpu dake de henshin shite OK?
Is it OK to reply with just a sticker?
既読スルーしないように注意
Kidoku suruu shinai you ni chuui
Be careful not to "read and ignore"
ありがとうスタンプを送る
Arigatou sutanpu wo okuru
Send a "thank you" sticker
笑いスタンプで空気を和ませる
Warai sutanpu de kuuki wo yawameru
Lighten the mood with a laughing sticker
Ending Conversations
じゃ、また連絡するね！
Ja, mata renraku suru ne!
I'll message you again!
おやすみ〜
Oyasumi~
Good night~
了解！ありがとう〜
Ryoukai! Arigatou~
Got it! Thanks~
またね！楽しかった！
Mata ne! Tanoshikatta!
See you! That was fun!
お疲れ〜
Otsukare~
Good work~ (casual goodbye)
Cultural Tips
- "Kidoku" (read receipt) culture is real. If someone sees you read their message and you don't reply, it's called "kidoku suruu" (read-ignore) and it can genuinely hurt feelings.
- Stickers aren't just for fun — they're a core part of communication. A well-timed sticker can replace a full reply. Sending just text all the time can come across as cold.
- Don't send long messages in group chats. Keep it short. If you need a long discussion, move to a private chat or use the Notes feature.
FAQ
Should I reply to every message on LINE?
Not literally every message, but leaving someone on "read" (kidoku) for too long without responding is considered rude. If you can't reply properly, a quick sticker or "ryoukai!" works fine.
When is it OK to use stickers only?
For casual friends, a sticker-only reply is normal and expected in many situations — acknowledging something, saying thanks, or wrapping up a conversation. For work contacts, use text.
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