Translation guide
A celebration of the harvest, often with religious or cultural traditions. In Japanese contexts, this can refer to autumn festivals (秋祭り), specific Shinto harvest rituals, or modern events like harvest-themed parties.
Referring to a traditional autumn festival celebrating the harvest, often at Shinto shrines.
General term for autumn festivals, many of which are harvest-related. Commonly used for local shrine festivals.
This village's autumn festival is held every October.
Direct translation of 'harvest festival'. Used for both traditional and modern events, but can sound slightly formal or literal.
At the harvest festival, local vegetables and fruits are served.
A specific Shinto harvest ritual performed by the Emperor, offering newly harvested rice to the gods. Very formal and traditional.
The Niiname-sai is an important ceremony held at the Imperial Palace.
Referring to a harvest-themed event, often with food, music, and community activities, not necessarily religious.
Also used for modern harvest festivals, like those at schools or community centers.
At the school harvest festival, students sold vegetables they grew.
Loanword from English, used for Western-style events or in names of specific festivals.
Referring specifically to the North American holiday of Thanksgiving, which has harvest festival origins.
Standard translation for Thanksgiving. While not a harvest festival per se, it is often associated with harvest themes.
There is a custom of eating turkey on Thanksgiving.
秋祭り is a broader term for autumn festivals, which often include harvest celebrations but also other elements like parades and mikoshi. 収穫祭 specifically emphasizes the harvest aspect and can be used for both traditional and modern events.
新嘗祭 is a very specific imperial ritual. Avoid using it for general harvest festivals unless you are referring to this exact ceremony.
There will be many stalls at this year's harvest festival.