接客

This term refers to the professional act of attending to customers. While it translates to "customer service," in a Japanese context, it encompasses not just the transaction, but the entire behavioral performance of the staff, including posture, tone of voice, and the ability to anticipate a customer's needs.

It is often contrasted with "omotenashi" (hospitality). While "sekkyaku" can refer to the standard, often manual-based service provided in a business setting, "omotenashi" implies a deeper, more selfless level of hospitality that goes beyond professional duty to provide a heartfelt experience.

In a professional context, "sekkyaku" is treated as a skill set. Phrases like "sekkyaku-gyō" (customer service industry) categorize a wide range of jobs, from retail and restaurants to hotels and salons, where the primary duty is direct interaction with the public.