Self-introduction in Japanese e-mail

Below are some structures that can be used in the beginning of a mail, when you send a mail to someone for the first time, and also have to introduce yourself. The formality degree is from polite, to very formal

• 初めてメールを送らせていただきました。

= This is the first time I am sending you an e-mail

- suitable for enquiries regarding products or services

• 初めてご連絡を差し上げます。

= I am contacting you for the first time
- standard phrase for when you send an e-mail for the first time to someone

• 突然のメールで失礼します。

= Please excuse the sudden e-mail

- another standard beginning of a first-time mail

• 突然、メールを差し上げるご無礼をお許しください。

= Please forgive me for my impolite act of suddenly sending you an e-mail
- used for superiors, conveying the apology of abruptly sending an e-mail with no or very little previous contact or greetings
- when contact someone that has been introduced to you by someone else, make sure to mention the name of the person that made the introductions