Who Has the Ball? Unlocking the Japanese Business Phrase『ボールを持つ』

Hello everyone! For those of you fighting the good fight in the Japanese corporate world, this one's for you.

In my 10+ years here, I've seen countless meetings that seemed to be going nowhere suddenly get clarified with a single, sporty phrase. Picture this: a tense discussion about a new project is underway, opinions are flying, and then the manager concludes:

「なるほど、状況は分かりました。で、今ボールは誰が持っているんだっけ？」 (Naruhodo, jōkyō wa wakarimashita. De, ima bōru wa dare ga motte irun dakke?)

"Okay, I understand the situation. So, who has the ball right now?"

A newcomer might be utterly confused 🤨: "What ball? This is a meeting, not a soccer match." But for a seasoned Japanese office worker, this is a critical question that determines the entire workflow moving forward.

Today, let's break down the phrase「ボールを持つ」(bōru o motsu) – a business communication essential that no textbook will ever truly prepare you for!

---

⚽ 「ボールを持つ」- More Than Just Holding a Ball

Literally, 「ボールを持つ」means "to have the ball." The phrase is borrowed directly from team sports like soccer, volleyball, or tennis. In a game, the person or team with the ball has the right and the responsibility to make the next move: shoot, pass, or serve.

This meaning is perfectly preserved in the Japanese office. The person who "has the ball" is the one responsible for the next action.

• They might be the one who needs to make the final decision.
• They might be the one who must send the follow-up meeting minutes.
• They might be the one who has to contact a client for more information.

In short, the "ball" here represents the "right to act" and the "next responsibility." When someone says you have the ball, it means everyone is waiting for you to make a move.

🎯 Variations and Real-World Usage

To use this like a pro, you need to understand the entire ecosystem surrounding this invisible ball.

1. ボールを持つ (Bōru o motsu): I've got the ball!

Used to state that the responsibility currently lies with you or someone else.

Example: 「この件については、現在弊社がボールを持っておりますので、来週中にご返信します。」 (Regarding this matter, our company currently has the ball, so we will reply by next week.) 👉 Implication: The responsibility is ours, and we will take action.

2. ボールを投げる (Bōru o nageru): Passing the ball to you!

When you've completed your part and want to pass the responsibility to the next person, you "throw the ball" (投げる).

Example: 「資料の作成は完了しましたので、ご確認いただくため、田中さんにボールを投げますね。」 (I've finished creating the documents, so I'll throw the ball to Tanaka-san for his confirmation.) 👉 Implication: My part is done; now it's Tanaka-san's turn.

3. ボールが〜にある (Bōru ga ~ ni aru): The ball is in X's court...

This is the most common way to identify who is currently in charge of the next step.

Example:「先方からの回答待ちなので、今ボールはA社にあります。」 (We are waiting for a reply from them, so right now the ball is with Company A.) 👉 Implication: We can't proceed until Company A responds.

---

🤔 Why Is This Phrase So Important?

In the often indirect and nuanced world of Japanese communication, clearly defining responsibility can be a challenge. 「ボールを持つ」is a lifesaver—a communication tool that is somehow both vague and crystal clear.

• ✅ Clarifies Responsibility: This is its most crucial function. After a meeting with many diverging opinions, asking "Who has the ball?" immediately pinpoints who needs to do what next. It prevents tasks from being left hanging (仕事が宙に浮く - shigoto ga chū ni uku).

• 👋 A Polite Nudge: Instead of directly saying 「早くしてください」(Hurry up!), asking something like 「すみません、この件のボールは今どちらにありますでしょうか？」(Excuse me, where does the ball for this matter lie right now?) is an extremely subtle reminder. It both inquires about the status and implicitly signals, "I'm waiting for action from your side."

• ♟️ A Strategic Tool: In negotiations, "throwing the ball" to the other party can be a strategic move to buy time or force them to present their proposal first. Conversely, proactively "taking the ball" shows confidence and a willingness to lead the discussion.

✨ Conclusion

「ボールを持つ」 is not just a piece of Wasei-eigo (Japanese-made English). It's an indispensable part of the unwritten rules of the Japanese corporate game.

Understanding and using it fluently not only helps you communicate effectively and prevent tasks from slipping through the cracks, but it also demonstrates a deep understanding of the Japanese work culture. It shows you're someone who is not just proficient in the language, but can also read the flow of work itself.

So next time your boss asks who has the ball, you'll be ready to answer with confidence! 😉