Happy New Year!

'akemashite omedetō gozaimasu'

あけましておめでとうございます！

This phrase is spoken and heard repeatedly all over Japan at the beginning of a new year. It roughly translates to ‘Happy New Year’. While you might think that something is opening here, since it
includes the verb ‘akeru’ (to open), it is actually written with a different kanji – 明ける and not 開ける.

Akeru written as 明ける refers to the sun rising or a certain period ending. So, be careful to use
the right characters when sending New Year’s wishes to your Japanese friends (or just go for
hiragana).

We hope 2021 will be a better year for all!

Written by Amelia Lipko