What are the rules behind wishing people Happy New Year in Japanese?
So to start, I know that the phrase is あけましておめでとうございます。（今年もよろしくお願いします。） Adjust it for formality and context.
When I came into the office for the first time this year, I said it to everyone present (2 people lol) and everyone who visited our office the rest of the day said it to us. When it’s said to you, it seems like you’re supposed to stand and bow and repeat it.
But what about after that? When I came into the office the next day, was I supposed to have said it directly to the 3 people who weren’t there the day before but arrived before me that day? What about other offices? When I visited the admin office, I started to say it to the two people in there, but I got such a cold look from the one of them I could see that I stopped after the first part. Neither said anything back to me and I heard the person I couldn’t see ask the other person who came by. Am I not supposed to say it to people I don’t really work with even though they do stuff like handle paperwork that relates to me? Like we interact…
When is it awkward to say it? Like does it pretty much have to be at first sight or is later ok?
It seems like at least texting it to friends is pretty easy. Is there a particular day one should stop sending it by?
There’s no set rule, but after a week into January is when you won’t hear it around as much.
The unspoken rule I noticed is you say it when you’re in the vicinity of a person and it’s the first time you see them after the new year with certain exceptions.
You wouldn’t interrupt them in the middle of a conversation (unless they initialize the greeting and you probably get along with them too).
You wouldn’t stop them if they seem like in a hurry to get somewhere (that might be code for: “please don’t make me give an あいさつ right now I’m not in the mood”).
Just like a lot of things, it’s about reading the atmosphere. Some offices are friendly, and people go out of their way to greet everyone. Some would rather not if they can get away with it.
Many 後輩s will go out of their way to greet their 先輩s. So if you have someone like that who you’re somewhat close with or very dependent on, it’s not a bad idea to put in more effort to greet them at the earliest opportunity.
You didn’t do anything wrong. If both of you are in the office the same day, you typically greet each other then. If one of you wasn’t there until the next day, you have no choice but to greet each other then. But like I said earlier, some people don’t want to feel obligated to say anything.
It’s like filling out 年賀状. Some people are happy to get one, others think it’s 面倒くさい because you have to respond. No need to overthink it. Just do you!
Thank you! I really appreciate it. I have a hard time gaging whether it’s the atmosphere of the office or if I’ve messed something up. Like everyone on the first day was happy to greet each other, but the following day was much more subdued. I guess the more greeting happy folks were in that first day.
This is very good to know about! I wasn’t aware that they’re supposed to be responded to. That explains the reaction of my friend when I said I was hoping to give the whole office cards last year. I ended up not having the energy to send any, which was probably a relief then lol
I have no problem at all celebrating New Year’s Day on 1 January. At the same time, I also recognise that it’s an arbitrary day. Some countries used to celebrate New Year’s Day on 25 March, so I may wish you another akeome by then, please don’t pout.
