Nenmatsu Nenshi (年末年始)
WORK’IN JAPAN
27.11.2024
Autumn is coming to an end, making way for the cold winter and, with it, the end of the year. In Japan, although Christmas is not celebrated in the same way as in other countries, both the end and beginning of the year are very important periods, marked by family reunions, visits to temples, and, most surprisingly, extended holidays during this time.
年末年始 (nenmatsu-nenshi) refers to the period around the end and beginning of the year in Japan, typically from December 29 to January 3. It’s a time for family gatherings, religious rituals, and various traditional practices, such as visiting shrines or temples. People often clean their homes, prepare special foods like osechi (New Year’s dishes), and celebrate with fireworks or other festivities.
A large number of companies close their doors and give vacation time to employees during this period. Typically, businesses shut down from December 31 to January 3, but many extend the holiday period up to 10 days. For this reason, many people return to their hometowns to spend the end and beginning of the year with their families.
If you decide to do some sightseeing in Japan during the first few days of the new year and look for a restaurant to eat at, it may be difficult because most stores and restaurant owners do not offer service during these days.
If you decide to do some sightseeing in Japan during the first few days of the new year and look for a restaurant to eat at, it may be difficult because most stores and restaurant owners do not offer service during these days.
At the beginning of the year, I published an article (you can check it out !) about typical dishes eaten during this time of year and how many Japanese families experience these dates. In Spain, it’s very different: it’s more of a celebration, so it’s not common to be quiet on December 31. Here, however, people usually rest, relax under the kotatsu, and don’t do much besides watching special TV shows. For me, it was a culture shock since it’s not like that in my house—I felt like a fish out of water. It’s true that some companies in Spain also close during these dates, but I would say there aren’t as many as in Japan.
This year, I will also rest during these dates and hope to relax under the kotatsu reading a good book.
This year, I will also rest during these dates and hope to relax under the kotatsu reading a good book.
Carmen grew up in a city in southern Spain. After graduating from university, she decided to move to Tokyo to study Japanese. She enjoys walking the streets of Japan, discovering new places and trying different Japanese dishes.
