Translation guide
The first day an event, business, or season begins. Japanese expressions vary by context: store openings, sports seasons, ceremonies, or the start of a new period.
The first day a new shop, restaurant, or business opens to the public.
Standard term for the opening day of a store or business. Used in announcements and signage.
新しいカフェの開店日は来週の土曜日です。
The new cafe's opening day is next Saturday.
Casual, often used in marketing or conversation. Borrowed from English 'open'.
オープン日には特別セールがあります。
There's a special sale on opening day.
Formal term for the opening day of a business or practice (e.g., clinic, law office).
医院の開業日はまだ決まっていません。
The clinic's opening day hasn't been decided yet.
The first day of a festival, exhibition, conference, or formal event.
General term for the first day of any event, performance, or exhibition.
映画祭の初日には多くの監督が来ます。
Many directors come on the opening day of the film festival.
Emphasizes the first day of a held event. Common in formal schedules.
展示会の開催初日は関係者のみ入場できます。
On the opening day of the exhibition, only相关人员 can enter.
Literary or dramatic term for 'curtain-raiser', used figuratively for the start of an event.
The first game or day of a sports season.
Standard term for the opening game or match of a season.
プロ野球の開幕戦は満員だった。
The opening day game of the pro baseball season was sold out.
Refers specifically to the calendar day the season starts.
Jリーグの開幕日が発表された。
The J-League's opening day has been announced.
Common phrase for 'season opener', often used in news.
シーズン開幕まであと一週間だ。
Only one week until opening day of the season.
The start of a new school year, fiscal year, or seasonal activity.
Works for any 'first day' in a general sense, including seasons or personal milestones.
新学期の初日は緊張する。
I get nervous on the opening day of the new semester.
Used for the opening day of a fishing or hunting season, or when a ban is lifted.
鮎釣りの解禁日には多くの釣り人が集まる。
On the opening day of sweetfish season, many anglers gather.
The English phrase 'opening day' does not have a single direct equivalent. Always choose the term that matches the context (store, event, sports, etc.). Using 開店日 for a sports game would sound unnatural.
初日 is the general 'first day' and can be used for almost anything. 開幕日 is specifically for seasons or series that 'raise the curtain' (開幕), like sports or theater runs.
祭りの幕開けを告げる花火が上がった。
Fireworks announced the opening day of the festival.