Japan’s New Year celebrations are a beautiful blend of tradition, culture, and deep-rooted customs.
It’s a time for both reflection and hope, and understanding how to say “Happy New Year” in Japanese will not only enrich your language skills but also offer insight into Japanese cultural values.
In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore various ways to say “Happy New Year” in Japanese, look at important New Year’s customs, and provide detailed explanations and notes, along with resources to help you further understand these traditions.
The Basics: How to Say “Happy New Year” in Japanese
The most commonly used expression for “Happy New Year” in Japanese is:
- Akemashite Omedetō Gozaimasu (明けましておめでとうございます)
Breaking Down the Phrase:
- Akemashite (明けまして): Derived from the verb “akeru” (to open or begin), this refers to the opening of the New Year.
- Omedetō (おめでとう): This means “congratulations” or “best wishes.”
- Gozaimasu (ございます): A polite form used in formal speech, much like saying “very much” in English to show extra respect.
Together, this phrase translates roughly to “Congratulations on the opening of the New Year” or simply “Happy New Year.” It is used in both formal and informal settings and is a staple greeting in Japan at the beginning of the year.
Informal Variations:
- Akemashite Omedetō (明けましておめでとう): A casual way to say “Happy New Year” with friends or family. You can leave out the polite “gozaimasu” in more familiar situations.
- Shinnen Omedetō (新年おめでとう): Another informal greeting that means “Happy New Year.” It is a shorter, friendlier way to express the sentiment.
Note: Levels of Politeness
- In Japan, it’s important to consider the social hierarchy when greeting people. Use the polite Akemashite Omedetō Gozaimasu in business settings, with elders, or anyone you don’t know well.
- With close friends or peers, you can opt for Akemashite Omedetō or Shinnen Omedetō.
Pre-New Year Greeting: Yoi Otoshi O
As the year comes to an end in Japan, people often say goodbye with a special pre-New Year greeting:
- Yoi Otoshi O (良いお年を): This phrase means “Have a good year” or “Best wishes for the coming year.” It’s used in late December before the New Year officially begins.
When to Use It:
- If you’re saying goodbye to friends, coworkers, or family members before the end of the year, this phrase is appropriate.
- It is used much like saying “Happy Holidays” in Western cultures as you part ways before the New Year.
New Year’s Cards: The Tradition of Nengajō (年賀状)
Sending New Year’s cards, known as Nengajō (年賀状), is a time-honored tradition in Japan. These cards are similar to holiday greeting cards in the West but with a distinct cultural flair. Nengajō cards are often beautifully decorated and hold a deep cultural significance.
Key Aspects of Nengajō:
- Timing: The cards are usually sent in December to arrive on January 1st. Japanese post offices even provide a special service to ensure Nengajō arrives exactly on New Year’s Day.
- Design: Many Nengajō feature the zodiac animal for the coming year. In 2024, it’s the Year of the Dragon, so many cards will feature dragon motifs. Other common symbols include cranes, Mount Fuji, and pine trees, which represent good fortune and longevity.
- Phrases to Include:
- Akemashite Omedetō Gozaimasu (Happy New Year)
- 旧年中は大変お世話になりました (Kyūnenchū wa taihen osewa ni narimashita): “Thank you very much for all the help and support during the last year.”
- 今年もどうぞよろしくお願いいたします (Kotoshi mo dōzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu): “I look forward to your continued support this year.”
Note:
- Writing Nengajō cards is an important way to stay connected with people in Japan. Even in the age of digital communication, this practice remains strong, with people sending cards to friends, family, colleagues, and business partners.
Important Japanese New Year’s Customs
The Japanese New Year, or Shōgatsu (正月), is celebrated from January 1st to January 3rd, though preparations begin in December. Below are some key customs:
1. Osechi Ryōri (おせち料理) – Traditional New Year’s Food
Osechi Ryōri refers to the variety of traditional foods enjoyed during the first few days of the New Year. Each dish has a symbolic meaning for health, prosperity, and happiness.
Some common Osechi dishes include:
- Kuromame (黒豆): Sweet black beans that symbolize health and diligence.
- Kazunoko (数の子): Herring roe, which symbolizes prosperity and fertility.
- Datemaki (伊達巻き): Sweet rolled omelet, which represents wisdom and learning.
Note:
- Osechi Ryōri is usually prepared in advance since it’s customary to avoid cooking during the first three days of the New Year. The dishes are often beautifully arranged in Jūbako (重箱), multi-tiered lacquer boxes.
2. Hatsumōde (初詣) – First Shrine Visit
Hatsumōde is the practice of visiting a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple during the first few days of the New Year. It’s a significant event where people pray for good health, happiness, and prosperity.
Key Details:
- Most people visit famous shrines like Meiji Shrine (明治神宮) in Tokyo or Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) in Kyoto.
- Many also draw Omikuji (おみくじ), which are fortune-telling paper strips that predict your luck for the upcoming year. If you receive bad fortune, you can tie the strip to a tree branch at the shrine to avoid the prediction.
3. Kagami Mochi (鏡餅) – New Year Decoration
Kagami Mochi is a traditional Japanese New Year decoration made of two round rice cakes stacked on top of each other with a mandarin orange on top. This decoration symbolizes the continuity of generations and is placed in homes or shrines during the holiday.
4. Otoshidama (お年玉) – New Year’s Gift of Money
Children eagerly look forward to Otoshidama, the New Year tradition of receiving small envelopes filled with money from parents and relatives. The amount varies depending on the child’s age and the family’s financial situation, but it’s always a highlight for kids.
Note:
- Otoshidama is usually given in elaborately decorated envelopes known as Pochibukuro (ポチ袋), which often feature cute and festive designs.
New Year’s Eve in Japan: Ōmisoka (大晦日)
New Year’s Eve, or Ōmisoka (大晦日), is a time for both reflection and preparation. Many families spend the day cleaning their homes in a custom called Ōsōji (大掃除), symbolizing the removal of last year’s dust and misfortunes to make way for the new year.
Traditions:
- Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば): Eating buckwheat soba noodles is a traditional activity on New Year’s Eve. The long, thin noodles symbolize longevity and are eaten before midnight for good fortune.
- Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘): As midnight approaches, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times. This tradition, known as Joya no Kane, represents the cleansing of the 108 earthly desires in Buddhism and prepares people for a fresh start in the New Year.
Modern Japanese New Year Celebrations
While the core of Japanese New Year’s celebrations remains traditional, many modern elements have been introduced in recent years.
- Television Special – Kōhaku Uta Gassen (紅白歌合戦): One of the most popular TV programs on New Year’s Eve is Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a singing competition that features Japan’s most famous artists.
- Countdown Events: Many urban areas like Tokyo have countdown events similar to those in the West, with fireworks and live performances.
Resources for Learning More
If you’re interested in delving deeper into Japanese New Year’s traditions and language, here are some valuable resources:
- Books:
- “Japanese for Busy People” by the Association for Japanese-Language Teaching: This series offers practical language learning with cultural notes.
- “The Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore” by Michael Dylan Foster: A fascinating look at the folklore often associated with Japanese traditions.
- Websites:
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): A great resource for understanding Japanese festivals, culture, and customs.
- Tofugu: This blog offers fun and engaging articles on Japanese language and culture, including New Year’s traditions.
Conclusion: Wishing You a Happy New Year in Japanese
Whether you’re sending a traditional Nengajō, visiting a shrine for Hatsumōde, or simply greeting someone with a heartfelt Akemashite Omedetō Gozaimasu, the Japanese New Year offers many ways to spread happiness and good fortune. Embrace the rich traditions of Japan as you welcome 2024, and share your best wishes in the Japanese language.
Now that you know how to say “Happy New Year” in Japanese, why not try incorporating these customs into your celebration? Happy New Year—Akemashite Omedetō Gozaimasu!
