Useful in the Business Scene! New Year Greetings
Table of Contents
1. Stand Out in the Business Scene with New Year Greeting Etiquette
2. When Should You Send New Year Greetings?
3. How Should You Write a New Year Greeting Email?
4. Watch Out for These Missteps!
5. New Year Greetings in Japan: Beyond Religion
6. Summary
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Stand Out in the Business Scene with New Year Greeting Etiquette
As we welcome the start of a new year, work has likely resumed for many of you.
How are your New Year greetings coming along?
When Should You Send New Year Greetings?
In general, New Year greetings should be exchanged between the first workday of the year and January 7th. This period is referred to as “Matsu no Uchi,” which marks the beginning and end of the New Year festivities.
What Is the Matsu no Uchi Period?
The duration of Matsu no Uchi varies by region in Japan:
- Kansai, Shikoku, and parts of Tohoku regions: January 1st to January 15th
- Kanto, Kyushu, and other areas of Tohoku regions: January 1st to January 7th
In some regions, Matsu no Uchi extends until January 15th, while in others, it concludes on January 7th. To ensure proper etiquette, it’s a good idea to check the customs of the specific region you’re addressing.
What to Do If You’re Late?
If you send New Year greetings after the Matsu no Uchi period, it’s proper etiquette to switch to a seasonal greeting, such as “寒中お見舞い申し上げます“ (a midwinter greeting), especially in emails or written correspondence.
The key is to convey your intention to greet, even if the timing is slightly delayed. Make use of this approach to ensure your thoughtfulness comes across!
How Should You Write a New Year Greeting Email?
Nowadays, it’s common to send New Year greetings via email instead of traditional New Year’s cards. However, it’s important to ensure the content is written politely and thoughtfully.
件名: 新年のご挨拶
本文:
〇〇株式会社
〇〇様
新年明けましておめでとうございます。
旧年中は格別のお引き立てを賜り、誠にありがとうございました。
本年も変わらぬご愛顧のほど、何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます。
貴社のますますのご発展とご繁栄をお祈り申し上げます。
簡単ではございますが、新年のご挨拶とさせていただきます。
〇〇株式会社
〇〇部 〇〇
———- Meaning ———-
Happy New Year!
Thank you very much for your continued support and patronage throughout the past year.
We look forward to your continued partnership in the year ahead.
Wishing your company continued success and prosperity.
Please accept this message as a brief but heartfelt New Year greeting.
Watch Out for These Missteps!
One of the key points to be mindful of with New Year greetings is not skipping them altogether. Failing to send a greeting might make the recipient feel undervalued or ignored. Especially in business settings, exchanging New Year greetings is a fundamental courtesy. Neglecting this can potentially strain relationships.
Additionally, sending your greeting too late is another pitfall to avoid. If too much time passes after the first workday, some may feel they were an afterthought. Be considerate of timing and avoid delays to ensure your greeting is well-received.
Finally, keep in mind that some people value traditional New Year’s cards over emails. Don’t rely solely on email; instead, consider the recipient’s preferences and situation when deciding the format of your greeting.
New Year Greetings in Japan: Beyond Religion
In many Western countries, year-end and New Year greetings have shifted from “Merry Christmas” to expressions like “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.” These alternatives are often used to accommodate differences in religion and culture. In contrast, New Year greetings in Japan carry little religious significance and are widely accepted as a cultural tradition that anyone can use.
Traditionally, Japanese New Year greetings had elements rooted in Shinto or Buddhism. However, in modern times, their religious connection has diminished, and they are now regarded as a social custom. Phrases such as “明けましておめでとうございます” (Happy New Year) and “今年もよろしくお願いします” (I look forward to your continued support this year) are universally appreciated and used across various settings, regardless of religious background.
Therefore, extending thoughtful and polite New Year greetings is essential, regardless of whom you are addressing. A heartfelt message, even a single sentence, can set the tone for a positive relationship in the year ahead.
Summary
New Year greetings are an essential first step to starting the year off right. This year, why not take a fresh approach and offer more thoughtful and heartfelt greetings?
For instance, adding a phrase like, “昨年は〇〇様に助けていただき、大変感謝しております。今年もご指導よろしくお願いいたします。(I greatly appreciate all your support last year. I look forward to your continued guidance this year)”, can make your message more personal and meaningful.
That single sentence might be the key to strengthening your relationship with the recipient.
We hope this article was helpful and wish you a wonderful year ahead!
At Enuncia, we will continue to deliver articles and tools to support your learning. Stay tuned!
