Japanese New Year’s Phrases: Greetings to Welcome the Year

New Year’s in Japan is a time of fresh starts, family gatherings, and heartfelt exchanges that set the tone for the months ahead. Unlike casual “Happy New Year” wishes in other countries, Japanese phrases for the New Year carry deep cultural weight, blending politeness, gratitude, and optimism. 

There are formal office greetings to playful texts among friends; these expressions evolve with the calendar, reflecting Japan’s love for timing, hierarchy, and harmony. Mastering a few key phrases lets you join in the festive spirit, whether visiting shrines or chatting with locals during hatsumode.

Yoi Otoshi wo

Before the clock strikes midnight on December 31, the go-to phrase is “Yoi otoshi wo” (良いお年を), meaning “Have a good year-end” or “Have a good new year coming up.” This polite send-off acknowledges the closing of the old year without jumping ahead. People say it casually to shopkeepers, neighbors, or coworkers during year-end shopping or osoji cleanups.

The full formal version, “Yoi otoshi wo omukaekudasai” (良いお年をお迎えください), adds respect, often used with elders or in professional settings. This phrase marks the transition, signaling that big cleaning, osechi feasts, and quiet reflection are coming to a close.

Short and sweet, it embodies Japan’s subtle etiquette: never too forward, always considerate of the moment. By New Year’s Eve, it fades away, making room for brighter greetings once January arrives.

Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu

On January 1st, “Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu” (あけましておめでとうございます) takes center stage, literally translating to “It’s opened, congratulations” or simply “Happy New Year!” This is the star phrase of hatsumode shrine visits, family breakfasts, and first phone calls. Families exchange it over steaming ozoni soup, and friends shout it during joyful reunions.

Politeness levels vary: the full “gozaimasu” is suitable for formal situations, such as meeting bosses or grandparents, while “Akemashite omedetou” is more appropriate for peers. Text messages light up phones with it, often paired with emojis of shrines, mochi, or fireworks. At Meiji Jingu or Fushimi Inari, you’ll hear it echoing through crowds as strangers nod politely amid the lanterns and incense.

This greeting celebrates the “dawn” of the year, tying into themes of renewal seen in omikuji fortunes and ema wishes. It lasts through the first week of January, gradually softening as daily life returns to normal.

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Kotoshimo Yoroshiku Onegai Shimasu

Right after “Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu,” many add “Kotoshimo yoroshiku onegai shimasu” (今年もよろしくお願いします), roughly “Please be good to me this year” or “Looking forward to working with you again.” This humble plea expresses gratitude for past support and hope for continued harmony ahead. In offices, it’s a staple at New Year’s parties or first meetings, helping to strengthen bonds for the year.

Among friends or family, it feels warm and relational, like saying, “Let’s make great memories together.” Couples might whisper it softly, while colleagues bow slightly when exchanging business cards. The phrase highlights Japan’s group-oriented culture, where success is often dependent on mutual reliance. Combined, the duo, “Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu. Kotoshimo yoroshiku onegai shimasu”, is a powerhouse greeting, covering celebration and commitment in one breath.

Ake Ome! Koto Yoro!

Younger crowds and close friends skip the formalities for “Ake ome! Koto yoro!” (あけおめ！ことよろ！), a super-shortened mashup of the two big phrases. Perfect for LINE messages, social media stories, or quick texts at midnight, it bursts with energy and playfulness. Emojis like 🎍🔔 or shrine torii gates amp up the fun, turning greetings into festive digital fireworks.

This slang version thrives among teens, twenty-somethings, and anime fans sharing New Year’s countdowns online. At casual gatherings with takoyaki or amazake, friends high-five while saying it, keeping the tradition lively and modern. It proves Japanese New Year’s phrases adapt to every generation, blending respect with relatability.

Other New Year Phrases to Know

Beyond the core greetings, Japan offers gems for specific situations. “Shinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu” (新年あけましておめでとうございます) adds “new year” for extra formality at weddings or ceremonies. At shrines, after drawing omikuji, people murmur “Daijoubu da” (大丈夫だ), meaning “It’ll be fine,” turning fortunes into optimism. These phrases weave through postcards, TV specials, and family chats, creating a tapestry of connection.

Why should I learn these Japanese phrases?

Japanese New Year’s phrases do more than exchange pleasantries; they reinforce bonds, honor timing, and invoke good fortune. Rooted in Shinto renewal and Confucian respect, they turn ordinary hellos into rituals that ease into the year. Foreign visitors who use them often earn smiles and instant warmth, bridging cultures over shared moments of mochi munching.

In a fast world, these greetings slow time, inviting reflection amid the joy. If they’re formal bows or emoji blasts, they remind everyone: the new year starts with words that build hope together.

Practice them during your next trip to Japan or a virtual countdown. Say “Yoi otoshi wo” as December winds down, then “Akemashite omedetou!” at dawn, watch the magic unfold in replies and raised glasses. Happy New Year, Japanese style! Do you know any other Japanese phrases to add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!