Yukio Sensei
 

Date: New's Year 2004
From: Yukio Hananoi
Subject:  Nengajo
 
 

Like the Christmas cards of the west, it is Japanese tradition to mail postcards
called nengajo on New Year's.  This is a sample of one of the nengajo we found
in our mailbox upon our return from Malaysia. In keeping with the Chinese
calendar animals, this is the year of the monkey. The Japanese celebrate New Year's
on the same dates as in the west, only it is traditionally a quiet time for family
and visiting temples.

"yoiotoshio"- Japanese New Year's greeting said before New Year's Eve.
"akemashite omedeto gozaimasu"- Japanese New Year's greeting said after New Year's Eve.