In Japan, there's a deeply rooted culture of appreciating the beauty of the four seasons, and seasonal greetings (jiko no aisatsu) used at the beginning of letters or emails are one such expression. These greetings range from casual to formal and can instantly add a warm touch to your message. This article introduces monthly examples of seasonal greetings, along with gift suggestions that suit each season. With heartfelt words and carefully chosen gifts, you can make your seasonal exchanges even more meaningful.
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What Are Seasonal Greetings?
Seasonal greetings are expressions that reflect the time of year and are commonly used at the beginning of letters or postcards. They show concern for the recipient while naturally conveying the writer's own feelings and the changes in the season.
How to Write a Letter in Japanese
A Japanese letter typically consists of the following structure: opening, main text, closing, and postscript.
Opening: Write a seasonal greeting and words showing concern for the recipient
- Main text: State the main purpose or message
- Closing: Write a polite concluding remark
- Postscript: Include the date, sender’s name, and recipient’s name
When writing a letter, be mindful of the tone and choose words that suit your relationship with the recipient.
[Sample]
As we welcome the spring equinox and the days gradually grow warmer, I hope you are doing well.
I am writing to...
As the chill of early spring lingers, please take care of your health. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Sincerely,
(Date) Reiwa Year, Month, Day
(Signature) Your Name
(Addressee) Recipient’s Name
How to Write Emails in Japanese
In business emails, including a seasonal greeting at the beginning helps convey warmth and politeness. Keep it brief and ensure it flows naturally into the body of your message.
[Sample]
In this early summer season, I hope your company continues to thrive.
Thank you for...
As the seasons change, please take care of your health. I look forward to working with you again.
Types of Seasonal Greetings and How to Use Them
There are two main types of jikō no aisatsu: kan-gochō (Chinese-style) and kō-gochō (colloquial-style), and it's important to use them appropriately depending on the situation.
Kan-gochō: Formal Expressions for Public or Business Settings
These greetings usually follow the format "○○ no kō", making them suitable for formal situations or professional communication. Since they sound more rigid, they're best used in official contexts.
Kō-gochō: Casual and Friendly Expressions
For friends, family, or people you're close with, gentle and natural phrases work best. Phrases like "The gentle warmth of spring is so pleasant these days" help convey a friendly tone and approachability.
Tips for Choosing the Right Style
In business or formal settings, kan-gochō is the appropriate choice. In contrast, casual letters and emails for personal use benefit from the more relaxed tone of kō-gochō. Selecting the right style based on your relationship with the recipient and the situation will make your message more effective and well-received.
Seasonal Greetings by Month – Sample Phrases
Here, we’ll introduce examples of seasonal greetings that reflect the atmosphere of each month. We've included both formal and casual expressions for January, April, July, and October—months that mark distinct seasonal shifts—so you can choose the right tone depending on the situation.
Seasonal Greetings for January
Since January marks the beginning of the New Year, it's a good time to express wishes for the new season and show concern for the cold weather.
Kan-gochō (Formal)
In this early spring season, I hope this finds you in continued good health and prosperity.
As the cold lingers, please take care of your health.
Kō-gochō (Casual)
The cold days continue, but the new year has begun—how have you been?
Please stay warm and take good care of yourself. I look forward to your continued support this year.
Useful Phrases and Sample Sentences for January Greetings
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
| Early spring (Shoshun) | In this early spring season, I trust you have welcomed a new year filled with happiness. |
| New spring (Shinshun) | Wishing you a happy New Year. I look forward to your continued support this year. |
| Cold weather (Kanrei) | As the cold weather continues, I hope you’ve been staying healthy. |
| Severe cold (Genkan) | In this season of severe cold, I trust you have been keeping well. |
| Cold wind (Kanpū) | As the cold wind cuts through the air, please take care of yourself. |
| First month of the year (Mutsuki) | With the arrival of Mutsuki (January), I’ve been spending each day with a refreshed mindset. |
Seasonal Greetings for February
Though still cold, February contains Risshun (the start of spring), making it a good time to use expressions that hint at the coming of a new season.
Useful Phrases and Sample Sentences for February Greetings
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
| Beginning of spring (Risshun) | With the arrival of Risshun, we can slowly begin to feel signs of spring. |
| Lingering cold (Yokan) | Though the lingering cold remains harsh, how have you been? |
| Remaining snow (Zansetsu) | As the chill of lingering snow remains, I eagerly await the coming of spring. |
| End of the cold season (Kan-ake) | As the cold begins to break, hints of spring are starting to appear. |
| Spring chill (Shunkan) | During these early spring chills, the days fluctuate greatly in temperature. |
Seasonal Greetings for March
March is a time when the signs of spring become more pronounced. Expressions that describe soft sunlight and the awakening of nature are fitting.
Useful Phrases and Sample Sentences for March Greetings
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
| Sōshun | In this early spring season, the budding of plants reminds us that spring is near. |
| Momo no Sekku | With the Peach Festival upon us, the air is filled with a soft spring atmosphere. |
| Shunbun | With the arrival of the spring equinox, the sunlight is becoming noticeably warmer. |
| Nanohana | As the rapeseed flowers begin to bloom, I feel the breath of spring. |
| Sankan-shion | As the cycle of three cold days and four warm ones continues, spring is just around the corner. |
Seasonal Greetings for April
April is the season of cherry blossoms and new beginnings. Phrases that reflect hope and a festive mood are ideal.
Kan-gochō (Formal)
In this radiant spring season, I hope your company continues to prosper.
As there is still a temperature difference between morning and night, please take care of yourself.
Kō-gochō (Casual)
Cherry blossoms are painting the town—such a beautiful season. How have you been?
I imagine you're busy with the start of a new chapter—please don’t overdo it and take care of yourself.
Useful Phrases and Sample Sentences for April Greetings
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
| Spring sunshine (Yōshun) | In this season of spring sunshine, I trust this finds you in continued good health. |
| Cherry blossoms (Ōka) | The city is now beautifully decorated with blooming cherry blossoms. |
| Full bloom of spring (Shunranman) | In this time of spring in full bloom, our days feel especially joyful and bright. |
| Chilly spring nights (Hanabie) | With the lingering chill of spring evenings, please take care not to catch a cold. |
| Fresh greenery (Wakakusa) | In this season when fresh greenery sprouts, we can feel the breath of nature all around us. |
| Spring warmth (Shunyō) | Wrapped in gentle spring sunshine, we are enjoying calm and peaceful days. |
Seasonal Greetings for May
May is a time when the fresh greenery is at its best and the weather tends to be stable. Expressions that convey freshness and the richness of nature are ideal.
Useful Phrases and Sample Sentences for May Greetings
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
| Fresh greenery | In this season of fresh greenery, the refreshing breeze feels especially pleasant. |
| Fresh greenery | The early summer breeze feels pleasant against the skin, reminding us of the changing seasons. |
| Young leaves | The young leaves are growing thick, and each day feels full of nature’s energy. |
| Beginning of summer (Rikka) | With the arrival of rikka (the beginning of summer), we are slowly beginning to feel the presence of summer. How have you been? |
| Green leaves | It’s a beautiful season of green leaves. I wish you continued good health. |
| First month of summer (Natsu hazuki) | In this early summer season, the days are gradually getting warmer. |
Seasonal Greetings for June
June is the rainy season in Japan. Greetings that acknowledge the rain and humidity while incorporating the beauty of the season are well received.
Useful Phrases and Sample Sentences for June Greetings
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
| Rainy season (Tsuyu) | We’ve entered the rainy season, and it’s been hard to part with our umbrellas lately. |
| Entering the rainy season (Nyūbai) | With the start of the rainy season, the air has become quite humid. How are you doing? |
| Early summer (Shoka) | In this early summer season, we are beginning to feel the signs of summer in the sunlight. |
| Barley harvest season (Bakushū) | During this season of barley harvest, we are entering a time of abundance. |
| Blue wind (Seiran) | A blue wind now blows through the air, bringing with it the refreshing breeze of early summer. |
Seasonal Greetings for July
July marks the arrival of midsummer. Greetings that express concern for the heat and convey a sense of energy are suitable.
Kan-gochō (Formal)
In this season of high summer, I hope this finds you in ever more prosperous spirits.
As the intense heat continues, please take great care to avoid heatstroke and stay well.
Kō-gochō (Casual)
It’s midsummer already. The heat has become intense—are you staying well?
Amid the scorching heat, I hope you stay in good health and make it through the summer energetically.
Useful Phrases and Sample Sentences for July Greetings
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
| High summer (Seika) | In this season of high summer, the heat continues to be severe. I hope you are doing well. |
| Scorching heat (Ensho) | In this period of scorching heat, please take care of your health and stay well. |
| Doyō period (Doyō) | As we enter the doyō period, the real summer heat is upon us. |
| Midsummer | The midsummer sun continues to shine down powerfully each day. |
| Intense heat (Mōsho) | With the intense heat, please be sure to stay hydrated. |
Seasonal Greetings for August
In August, we begin to approach late summer. Expressions that show concern for the heat and care for summer fatigue are preferred.
Useful Phrases and Sample Sentences for August Greetings
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
| Lingering summer heat (Zansho) | During this lingering summer heat, how have you been? |
| Late summer (Banka) | In this season of late summer, we’re gradually starting to feel the signs of autumn. |
| Night breeze | It’s now a season when the evening breeze brings a sense of coolness. |
| Traces of summer | As we say goodbye to the remnants of summer, we enter the change of seasons. |
| Summer sky | The summer sky is high and clear, with its deep blue color strikingly beautiful. |
Seasonal Greetings for September
September is the beginning of autumn. Greetings that reflect the cooler temperatures and signs of fall are appropriate.
Useful Phrases and Sample Sentences for September Greetings
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
| Early autumn (Shoshu) | In this season of early autumn, we can feel the signs of fall growing stronger with each passing day. |
| New autumn (Shinshū) | With the arrival of new autumn, I hope this finds you in continued good health and prosperity. |
| Refreshing autumn (Shūryō) | In this refreshing autumn season, we are enjoying more and more comfortable days. |
| Autumn sunshine (Akibare) | The clear autumn sky lifts the spirits and brings a sense of brightness. |
| Long nights (Yonaga) | Now that the nights are getting longer, it’s a perfect time to relax and enjoy peaceful moments. |
Seasonal Greetings for October
October is the season when the temperature drops and autumn begins in earnest. Expressions that touch on the chill and the deepening of autumn are suitable.
Kan-gochō (Formal)
In this season of autumn chill, we are pleased to hear of your continued prosperity.
With the nights and mornings getting colder, please take good care of yourself.
Kō-gochō (Casual)
The air is crisp, and the leaves are beginning to turn—autumn is truly deepening.
Stay warm and take care not to catch a cold.
Useful Phrases and Sample Sentences for October Greetings
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
| Autumn chill (Shūrei) | In this season of autumn chill, the brisk air is becoming more noticeable. |
| Autumn foliage (Kōyō) | The leaves are beginning to change color, and we can feel autumn settling in. |
| Falling leaves (Konoha) | As the leaves begin to fall, we’re reminded of nature’s changing rhythm. |
| Season of frost (Sōkō) | Now that we’ve reached the season of frost, mornings and evenings have grown quite cold. |
| Thirteenth Night Moon (Jūsan'ya) | It’s the time of year when the moon of the Thirteenth Night glows beautifully in the night sky. |
Seasonal Greetings for November
November is late autumn, and it is appropriate to have a calm expression that makes you feel the autumn leaves and the cold.
Useful Phrases and Sample Sentences for November Greetings
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
| Frosty autumn (Sōshū) | In this season of frosty autumn, the chill in the mornings and evenings has grown stronger. |
| Late autumn (Banshū) | As the spirit of late autumn deepens, fallen leaves swirl around us. |
| First frost (Hatsushimo) | With the first frost arriving, we begin to sense the approach of winter. |
| Winter wind (Kogarashi) | The wintry winds have begun to blow, bringing a sharper chill. |
| On the edge of winter (Fuyutonari) | In this season on the edge of winter, please take extra care as the weather shifts. |
Seasonal Greetings for December
December is the year-end season, marked by both cold weather and a time for expressing gratitude and wrapping up the year. Including appreciation or year-end well-wishes is recommended.
Useful Phrases and Sample Sentences for December Greetings
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
| Year-end (Shiwasu) | As the year-end approaches, we find ourselves in a season filled with a sense of urgency and bustle. |
| Late December (Saimatsu) | In this late December season, though we know you must be busy, we hope you’re taking good care of yourself. |
| First snow (Hatsuyuki) | With the first snow beginning to fall, winter is now in full swing. |
| Winter solstice (Tōji) | As we welcome the winter solstice, each day grows colder and colder. |
| Cold season (Kanrei) | In this cold season, please be extra mindful of your health. |
Recommended Seasonal Gifts
Adding a seasonal gift to your greeting can help leave a lasting impression. Here are some recommended gift ideas by season.
Recommended Gifts for Spring (March–May)
Spring is a time of new beginnings, meetings, and farewells. Sweets and accessories with cherry blossom or spring flower motifs are popular seasonal gifts. Practical items such as stationery and kitchen tools are also perfect for those starting a new chapter.
[Examples of Recommended Spring Gifts]
Sakura-themed sweets (e.g. sakura yokan, sakura cookies)
- Flower arrangements featuring seasonal blossoms like tulips and mimosa
- New lifestyle support items (e.g. stationery sets, storage goods)
- Seasonal tea gift sets (spring-limited black or green tea)
- Spring-colored scarves and fashion accessories (in pastel tones)
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Recommended Gifts for Summer (June-August)
In the heat of summer, staying cool is key. Gifts like cooling towels or contact-cooling pillow pads are not only practical but visually refreshing as well. Seasonal sweets made with fresh fruits, such as jellies and ice cream, are also perfect for this time of year.
[Examples of Recommended Summer Gifts]
Cooling towels and contact-cooling goods (pillow pads, cooling sheets)
- Sun-protection items like parasols and UV-blocking accessories (e.g. arm covers)
- Assorted fruit jellies and ice cream sets
- Seasonal craft beer or cider gift sets
- Traditional Japanese goods with summer motifs like goldfish and fireworks (e.g. fans, tenugui towels)
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Recommended Gifts for Autumn (September-November)
In autumn, sweets made with seasonal flavors like chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins are well-loved gifts. Items for book lovers—such as bookmarks and book covers—are also great for evoking the season of reading.
[Examples of Recommended Autumn Gifts]
Limited-edition sweets featuring chestnuts, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin
- Reading accessories (bookmarks, book covers, reading lights)
- Chic room fragrances (woody or spiced scents)
- Autumn-colored blankets or cushion covers
- Skincare items for dry weather like hand creams
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Recommended Gifts for Winter (December-February)
In the cold months, warm and cozy gifts are ideal. Scarves, blankets, and other winter accessories are practical and appreciated. Hot drink sets and bath-related items are also classic wintertime gifts.
[Examples of Recommended Winter Gifts]
Winter accessories like scarves and gloves
- Hot drink sets (tea, coffee, soups, etc.)
- Room socks or hot water bottles for extra warmth
- Bath items like bath bombs or bath salts
- Assorted sweets exclusive to Christmas or New Year
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Using seasonal greetings in your messages allows you to convey a deeper sense of warmth and thoughtfulness. When paired with gifts that reflect the season, your words become even more meaningful. Let this article inspire you to send heartfelt messages and gifts that celebrate the beauty of each season.
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