御ご用よう始はじめ

noun

first business day of the new year; reopening of offices after New Year's holiday

Refers to the ceremonial resumption of work at government offices and many companies, typically on January 4th. Often contrasted with 御用納め (the last business day of the year).

See also: 御用納め

• 官かん公こう庁ちょうでは、一いち月がつ四よっ日かが御ご用よう始はじめとなることが多おおい。

  For government offices, January 4th is often the first business day of the new year.

• 御ご用よう始はじめの日ひには、各かく部ぶ署しょで新しん年ねんの挨あい拶さつが行おこなわれる。

  On the first business day of the new year, New Year's greetings are exchanged in each department.