In Japan, お正月 (おしょうがつ), or New Year’s celebrations, is one of the most significant holidays. This period is filled with rich traditions and activities that reflect gratitude, renewal, and hope for the year ahead.
Use this opportunity to go through them and learn some new vocabulary and phrases. Let's look up next topics:
Before New Year’s Eve: Preparations and Farewells
Ōsōji (大掃除, “Big Cleaning”)
In December, the Japanese thoroughly clean their homes, offices, and temples to welcome the new year with a fresh start and rid themselves of the troubles of the past year. At our school, we uphold this tradition by cleaning the entire building together on the last day before the winter holidays.
Bonenkai (忘年会, “Farewell to the Old Year”)
Colleagues, friends, and families gather for informal year-end parties to reflect on the past year and celebrate its conclusion.
Here are some commonly used phrases to express gratitude and goodwill before the new year:
今年（ことし）も お世話（せわ）になりました。
(Kotoshi mo osewa ni narimashita.)
“Thank you for your support this year.”
今年（ことし）も ありがとうございました。
(Kotoshi mo arigatō gozaimashita.)
“Thank you for everything this year.”
本当（ほんとう）に お疲（つか）れ様（さま）でした。
(Hontō ni otsukaresama deshita.)
“Thank you for your hard work.”
This phrase is especially popular in workplaces or teams.
Nengajō (年賀状): New Year greeting cards are a cherished tradition in Japan, exchanged between friends, family, and colleagues. These cards are designed to arrive precisely on January 1, regardless of when they are sent. We embraced this tradition at CLAY by writing Nengajō with all the students. Sensei explained the rules and customs behind Nengajō and guided everyone in creating their cards beautifully and correctly.
Decorating your home for the New Year with:
Kadomatsu (門松, かどまつ): Traditional decorations made of bamboo and pine, placed at entrances to invite good fortune.
Shimenawa (しめ縄, しめなわ): Sacred ropes hung to ward off evil spirits.
December 31: Ōmisoka (大晦日, New Year’s Eve)
大 (おお, Ō) -"Big" or "Great."
晦 (みそ, Miso) - "Last day of the month." This kanji specifically refers to the end of a lunar month, highlighting the completion of the year. It’s less commonly seen outside of this term.
日 (ひ, Bi/Nichi) - "Day."
Connected foods and activities to Ōmisoka:
Toshikoshi-soba (年越しそば): Eating buckwheat noodles on New Year’s Eve symbolizes longevity and resilience.
Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘): Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times to purify the soul and rid people of worldly desires.
January 1: The Main Day of お正月
Hatsuhinode (初日の出, First Sunrise)
Many people gather to witness the year’s first sunrise, a moment considered sacred and auspicious.
Hatsumōde (初詣, First Shrine Visit)
Visiting Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples to pray for health, happiness, and success in the coming year is a cherished tradition.
New Year with Family eating special foods and drinking special drinks
おせち料理 (Osechi Ryōri): A variety of traditional dishes served in lacquered boxes, each food carrying symbolic meaning for prosperity and health.
お屠蘇 (Otoso): A special New Year’s sake shared among family members for good fortune.
January 2-3: Continuing the Celebrations
Traditional New Year’s Games: 羽根つき (Hanetsuki): A badminton-like game played with decorative paddles. 凧揚げ (Takoage): Kite flying, a favorite pastime during the New Year.
お年玉 (Otoshidama): Adults gift children money in festive envelopes as a token of good wishes.
January 7: Nanakusa-gayu (七草粥, “Seven-Herb Porridge”)
To recover from the indulgence of holiday feasts, people eat a light rice porridge made with seven types of spring herbs. This dish is believed to promote health and longevity.
So, what should you say to Sensei when you first meet them in the New Year?
It’s customary to greet Sensei politely and express gratitude or well wishes for the year ahead. Here are some phrases you can use:
あけまして おめでとう ございます。
今年（ことし）もよろしくお願い（おねがい）します。
(Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu. Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)
“Happy New Year. I look forward to your support again this year.”
今年（ことし）も ご指導（しどう）よろしく お願い（おねがい）いたします。
(Kotoshi mo goshidō yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)
“I look forward to your guidance again this year.”
These traditions reflect the essence of Japanese culture—honoring the past, embracing renewal, and celebrating relationships. Whether it’s the ringing of temple bells or the joy of family gatherings,
お正月 captures the spirit of hope and gratitude for the year ahead.
Here is an album with all the pictures and kanji from above to review yourself:
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