also: かき
noun
harmonious atmosphere; friendly mood
Describes a warm, friendly, and peaceful atmosphere among people. Often used in set phrases like 和気あいあい.
会議は和気あいあいとした雰囲気で進んだ。
The meeting proceeded in a friendly and harmonious atmosphere.
彼らはいつも和気あいあいと話している。
They always chat in a warm and friendly manner.
和やか is an adjective meaning 'gentle, calm, harmonious', often describing a person's demeanor or a mild atmosphere. 和気 is a noun specifically referring to a harmonious group mood, and is most common in the phrase 和気あいあい.
Compound of 和 (wa, 'harmony, peace') and 気 (ki, 'spirit, mood'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally yields the meaning 'harmonious atmosphere'.