Translation guide
How to say 'Happy New Year' in Japanese depends on the timing and context. Before the new year begins, you use one phrase; after it starts, you use another. There are also casual and written variations.
Wishing someone a happy new year before January 1st, typically in late December.
Standard phrase used before the new year begins. It literally means 'Have a good year.'
今年もありがとうございました。良いお年を。
Thank you for everything this year. Happy New Year.
Greeting someone with 'Happy New Year' after January 1st, usually during the first few days or weeks of the year.
The standard polite greeting after the new year has begun. Often combined with 今年もよろしくお願いします.
明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。
Happy New Year. I look forward to your continued friendship this year.
Writing 'Happy New Year' on a nengajō (New Year's postcard).
Do not use 明けましておめでとう before January 1st, and do not use 良いお年を after the new year has begun. Mixing them up can sound odd.
12月31日に「明けましておめでとう」と言うのは不自然です。
Saying 'Akemashite omedetō' on December 31st is unnatural.
After the new year, it is very common to follow 明けましておめでとうございます with 今年もよろしくお願いします (casual: 今年もよろしく). This expresses hope for continued good relations.
A more polite and formal version, suitable for business or elders.
来年もよろしくお願いいたします。良いお年をお迎えください。
I look forward to working with you next year as well. Please have a happy new year.
Casual version used among friends and family.
明けましておめでとう！今年も遊ぼうね。
Happy New Year! Let's hang out again this year.
A slightly more formal alternative, often used in writing or announcements.
新年おめでとうございます。本年もどうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
Happy New Year. We look forward to your continued support this year.
Very casual slang abbreviation of 明けましておめでとう, used mainly in texting or among young people.
あけおめ！ことよろ！
Happy New Year! Let's be friends this year too!
The most common formal written phrase on New Year's cards, meaning 'Happy New Year' with a respectful tone.
謹賀新年昨年は大変お世話になりました。
Happy New Year. Thank you very much for your kindness last year.
A shorter, slightly less formal written greeting, also common on cards.
賀正本年もよろしくお願いいたします。
Happy New Year. I look forward to your continued friendship this year.