45 Japanese Seasonal and Occasion Greetings: New Year, Weather Talk, Weddings, and More

💡 Literally "congratulations on the year opening," so it is said only from January 1st, usually through the first week or two of January. Friends shorten it to "akeome." Before New Year's Day, use "yoi otoshi o" instead.

💡 Almost always follows the New Year greeting, both in person and on New Year's cards. It asks for continued good relations. The best reply is the same phrase back, with "kochira koso" (likewise) in front.

💡 Said in late December when you part with someone you won't see until the new year. It is short for "have a good year's end and welcome the new year well." Reply with the same phrase. Avoid it after January 1st.

💡 A year-end phrase for coworkers, teachers, neighbors, and regular shops. It is often paired with "yoi otoshi o." Reply with "kochira koso" (the same to you).

💡 Many offices close from around December 29th to January 3rd, though schedules vary. You'll see the phrase on signs listing holiday hours. "Nenmatsu nenshi wa dou suru?" is common small talk in December.

💡 Small talk in early January. Hatsumode is the first visit to a shrine or temple in the new year, and many people go even if they are not especially religious. It's fine to say "mada desu" (not yet).

💡 Adults give children cash in small decorated envelopes at New Year. How much depends on the family and the child's age. As a guest, you are not expected to give it unless you are close to the family.

💡 The go-to opener from June to September. Agree with "so desu ne" or "hontoni" (really). The "ne" asks the listener to share the feeling, so it works as a greeting rather than a real question.

💡 "Mushi" comes from "steamed." Japanese summers in many regions are very humid, so this is the phrase for sticky days. A great one to use because it shows you know the local climate.

💡 The winter version of weather small talk. Many older Japanese homes are poorly heated, so it's also a real comment indoors. Reply "so desu ne" or "hontoni samui desu."

💡 A safe opener with neighbors, shopkeepers, or someone you meet on a walk. Reply "so desu ne" and perhaps add a plan: "sanpo biyori desu ne" (perfect for a walk).

💡 Typical during tsuyu, the rainy season, which roughly covers June to mid-July in much of Japan (earlier in Okinawa; Hokkaido is said to have little of it). A nice way to sound local.

💡 Heard everywhere in spring. Follow-up talk is often about whether the blossoms are "mankai" (in full bloom) or already falling, and whether you have been to a hanami (cherry blossom viewing) party yet.

💡 The autumn counterpart to cherry blossom talk. Koyo can also be read "momiji" when it means maple leaves specifically. Peak timing moves from north to south and from mountains to lowlands.

💡 Said with relief in early fall when the summer heat finally breaks. "Suzushii" means pleasantly cool, while "samui" means unpleasantly cold, so the choice of word carries a feeling.

💡 A spring remark. The opposite, "hi ga mijikaku narimashita ne," is used in autumn. Japan does not use daylight saving time, so sunset times change gradually through the year.

💡 Hay fever, mostly from cedar pollen, is a very common complaint in late winter and spring. It's one reason you see many people in masks then. Pollen forecasts are a regular part of the weather report.

💡 Many Japanese people believe you catch colds more easily when the seasons turn, so this often comes with a wish to stay healthy. It's also a common phrase in letters and emails.

💡 The tired, no-appetite feeling from long hot summers. People fight it with foods thought to give energy, such as grilled eel. "Natsubate shite nai?" (not wiped out by the heat?) is caring small talk.

💡 A summer parting phrase that is also serious advice. News and apps issue heatstroke alerts on very hot days. Drink water, rest in the shade, and take it seriously if you are sightseeing all day.

💡 In Tokyo and other cities where snow is rare, even a little snow is big news. In snowy regions it is everyday talk. The first snow of the season is called "hatsuyuki."

💡 Add "gozaimasu" for a boss or someone older. Friends sometimes shorten it to "tanjobi omedeto." Reply with "arigato."

💡 "Oshiawase ni" (be happy) is a warm add-on. At weddings, some words are traditionally avoided in speeches because they suggest separation or repetition, such as "wakareru" (to part). Guests usually give cash in a special envelope.

💡 Said to new parents. Asking about both mother and baby is a kind touch. With friends, "omedeto" plus a smile is plenty.

💡 The Japanese school year ends in March and starts in April, so graduation greetings cluster in March, often under the cherry blossoms. For friends, "sotsugyo omedeto" is enough.

💡 Christmas in Japan is a festive but non-religious season for most people and not a public holiday. Christmas Eve is often a couples' date night, and cake and fried chicken are popular. Decorations come down quickly after December 25th for New Year.

💡 Said on Friday when leaving work or class. It is a newer phrase that sounds a little like English, and many people simply say "otsukaresama" instead, but it is friendly and widely understood. Reply with the same phrase.

💡 Obon is a Buddhist season for honoring ancestors, held mainly in mid-August in most areas (July in some places). Many people visit their hometowns, so travel gets busy. "Obon wa kaeru?" (going home for Obon?) is common small talk.

💡 The fixed opening line of a summer greeting card. It is mainly a written phrase, sent in the hottest part of summer, roughly up to early August. Fewer people send these cards now, but you will see the phrase on shop posters and emails.

💡 Once risshu, the traditional start of autumn around August 7th or 8th, has passed, summer cards switch to this phrase. "Zansho" means the heat that lingers after summer officially ends.

💡 A card sent in the coldest weeks after the New Year period. It is also used by families in mourning who skip New Year's cards, or to answer a New Year's card you received late.

💡 A gift sent in summer to thank people who have helped you, such as clients or relatives. The timing differs by region, roughly from early July to mid-August. Department stores set up special counters for it. Many younger people no longer send them.

💡 The winter counterpart of ochugen, sent in December to thank people for the year. Food, drinks, and practical goods are typical. Like summer gifts, the custom is fading among younger people and in some workplaces.

💡 Used when you meet someone after weeks or months. Friends say "hisashiburi!" The reply is the same phrase back, perhaps with "so desu ne" (it has been).

💡 The standard first line when you meet someone new, followed by your name and "yoroshiku onegaishimasu." Only use it the very first time; next time it would sound like you forgot them.

💡 Textbooks teach it as "how are you," but Japanese people don't say it to someone they saw yesterday. It's for people you haven't seen in a while, or in letters. Reply "hai, okagesama de" (yes, thanks) or "genki desu."

💡 Literally "nothing has changed?" It is a gentle, formal way to ask after someone's health, used with older people, teachers, or in letters. Reply "okagesama de, genki ni shite imasu."

💡 Warmer and more personal than "hajimemashite." Good for someone you have messaged online, a host family, or a friend of a friend. It sounds a bit more like translated English, but it's natural enough and people appreciate it.

💡 "Sukkari" means completely. Swap in any season: "sukkari aki desu ne" (it is really fall now). It is an easy, natural way to join in on seasonal small talk.

💡 Say this when leaving a host family, a ryokan after a long stay, or a workplace. It thanks someone for all the care they gave you. A small bow makes it even better.

💡 The past form of "ojama shimasu," which you say when entering someone's home. Literally "I got in your way," it's a polite goodbye when leaving someone's house or office.

💡 Said before bed or when parting late at night. Friends and family shorten it to "oyasumi." It is not used as a daytime goodbye, only when someone is heading to sleep or it's late.

💡 A caring sign-off, especially when seasons change or when saying goodbye for a long time. Common at the end of letters and emails too. Reply "arigato gozaimasu" and wish the same back.

💡 Said quietly to someone who has lost a family member, often at a wake or funeral. Keep it short, lower your voice, and bow. Among friends it is sometimes used as a joke for small misfortunes, so be careful to use it only sincerely.

💡 A formal condolence used both in speech and in writing, such as cards or messages. When someone shares sad news, this phrase and a bow are enough; you don't need to ask how it happened. Customs differ by religion and family.