When it comes to business in Japan, holiday greetings aren\u2019t just polite\u2014they\u2019re part of professional etiquette. Done right, they show respect, strengthen relationships, and help you start the New Year on the right foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s explore how to send greetings that match Japan\u2019s business culture\u2014without overcomplicating things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Japan, New Year\u2019s is far more important than Christmas<\/strong> when it comes to business and family traditions. Christmas is mostly celebrated as a secular event\u2014think lights, cake, and couples exchanging gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New Year\u2019s (\u201cOshougatsu\u201d), on the other hand, is the major holiday. Families gather, homes are cleaned, and traditional foods like osechi ryori<\/em> are served. People also send New Year\u2019s cards called nengajo<\/em> and visit shrines to pray for good fortune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan follows the Gregorian calendar<\/strong>, so New Year\u2019s Day is January 1. Unlike the festive Chinese New Year, Japanese celebrations are quieter and more reflective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n December is one of the busiest months for businesses in Japan. It\u2019s common to wrap up projects and attend year-end parties known as bounenkai<\/em>, which are held to thank colleagues for their work throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cleaning the office is a key tradition<\/strong>. On the final business day\u2014typically around December 28\u2014employees clean desks and workspaces. This is called shigoto osame<\/em>, meaning the end of the work year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Companies aim to start fresh in January, both physically and mentally, by closing the year clean and complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most companies are closed from December 31 (Omisoka<\/em>) through January 3. Some may extend their break to January 5 or 7, depending on the industry. This period is for rest, family, and reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Work typically resumes with shigoto hajime<\/em> (the first workday). Employees greet each other and may attend a New Year\u2019s assembly or receive a message from top leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to show appreciation and maintain strong ties, send your greetings at year-end and after the New Year. Here are five common methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Year-end greetings<\/strong> should be sent about a week before the last business day (typically December 28). A good phrase to use is: honnen mo taihen osewani narimashita<\/em> (\u201cThank you for your support this year\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n New Year greetings<\/strong> should be sent between January 1 and January 7 (called matsu no uchi<\/em>). Up to January 15 is still acceptable, but later may feel overdue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Say: akemashite omedetou gozaimasu<\/em> (\u201cHappy New Year\u201d) followed by honnen mo douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu<\/em> (\u201cI look forward to your continued support this year\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a simple structure for a business holiday greeting email:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro tip:<\/strong> If writing in Japanese, have a native speaker check your message. Avoid negative words or topics\u2014known as imikotoba<\/em>\u2014which are considered bad luck during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, avoid sending new tasks or agendas with your holiday greeting. Save those for a separate message after the break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a Japanese proverb: \u201cIchinen no kei wa gantan ni ari\u201d<\/em>\u2014\u201cThe year\u2019s plan starts on New Year\u2019s Day.\u201d Like being on time for meetings, sending timely, thoughtful greetings shows your respect and readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By honoring Japan\u2019s holiday etiquette, you\u2019ll build better relationships\u2014and start the new year on a strong note.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Have questions about doing business in Japan?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re just a message away.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Japanese Companies Prepare for the New Year<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Happens After the New Year<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ways to Send Business Holiday Greetings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When and What to Say<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sample Holiday Email Format<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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