When it comes to business in Japan, holiday greetings aren’t just polite—they’re part of professional etiquette. Done right, they show respect, strengthen relationships, and help you start the New Year on the right foot.
Let’s explore how to send greetings that match Japan’s business culture—without overcomplicating things.
Christmas vs. New Year in Japan
In Japan, New Year’s is far more important than Christmas when it comes to business and family traditions. Christmas is mostly celebrated as a secular event—think lights, cake, and couples exchanging gifts.
New Year’s (“Oshougatsu”), on the other hand, is the major holiday. Families gather, homes are cleaned, and traditional foods like osechi ryori are served. People also send New Year’s cards called nengajo and visit shrines to pray for good fortune.
Japan follows the Gregorian calendar, so New Year’s Day is January 1. Unlike the festive Chinese New Year, Japanese celebrations are quieter and more reflective.
How Japanese Companies Prepare for the New Year
December is one of the busiest months for businesses in Japan. It’s common to wrap up projects and attend year-end parties known as bounenkai, which are held to thank colleagues for their work throughout the year.
Cleaning the office is a key tradition. On the final business day—typically around December 28—employees clean desks and workspaces. This is called shigoto osame, meaning the end of the work year.
Companies aim to start fresh in January, both physically and mentally, by closing the year clean and complete.
What Happens After the New Year
Most companies are closed from December 31 (Omisoka) 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.
Work typically resumes with shigoto hajime (the first workday). Employees greet each other and may attend a New Year’s assembly or receive a message from top leadership.
Ways to Send Business Holiday Greetings
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:
- Visit in person: Arrange a short meeting (around 10 minutes) with a small gift. Company calendars are popular. Be sure to schedule early—December is busy.
- Send an email: Practical and professional. Keep it brief and warm.
- Make a phone call: Works well if language isn’t a barrier.
- Use your final meeting: If you have a scheduled meeting, add a few words of thanks before ending the call or video chat.
- Send a postcard (nengajo): Traditional but still appreciated. Mail before December 24 to arrive in time.
When and What to Say
Year-end greetings 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 (“Thank you for your support this year”).
New Year greetings should be sent between January 1 and January 7 (called matsu no uchi). Up to January 15 is still acceptable, but later may feel overdue.
Say: akemashite omedetou gozaimasu (“Happy New Year”) followed by honnen mo douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu (“I look forward to your continued support this year”).
Sample Holiday Email Format
Here’s a simple structure for a business holiday greeting email:
- A seasonal opening (e.g., “Wishing you a peaceful year-end”)
- Thanks for the business relationship this year
- Optional: mention of your holiday schedule
- Warm wishes for the New Year
Pro tip: If writing in Japanese, have a native speaker check your message. Avoid negative words or topics—known as imikotoba—which are considered bad luck during this time.
Also, avoid sending new tasks or agendas with your holiday greeting. Save those for a separate message after the break.
There’s a Japanese proverb: “Ichinen no kei wa gantan ni ari”—“The year’s plan starts on New Year’s Day.” Like being on time for meetings, sending timely, thoughtful greetings shows your respect and readiness.
By honoring Japan’s holiday etiquette, you’ll build better relationships—and start the new year on a strong note.
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