Thursday, December 29, 2011

nengajo

Previously I wrote about Nengajo (New Year cards) and Mochu Hagaki here.

Usually nengajo uses the phrase "akemashite omedetoo" (ah-kay-mah-she-tay o-may-day-toe) which means "happy new year".

Well, this year, due to the big earthquake and tragedy in the Tohoku area, everyone is kind of on egg shells as to how to approach this card trading custom.

With reason the people in the Tohoku area aren't in any mood to "celebrate" the New Year and the rest of Japan, doesn't quite know what kind of greetings to send.

Recently on television, they showed the people of the Tohoku area sending out "I'm doing fine" cards. It was also shown that the rest of Japan should refrain from using "akemashite omedetoo" and instead use words like, "kansha" (kahn-shah which means appreciation) and "arigatoo" (ah-ree-gah-toe which means thanks).

So that is what we did. I really hope next year will be a better one for everyone, especially those in the Tohoku area.

p.s. On yesterday's post I mentioned Instagram, if you are already on Instagram and want to see your feed and friend's photos from your computer, just go to Inkstagram and log in through your Instagram account.

p.p.s. I'll be off the grid for a couple of days (though I may post to Instagram), I have some posts lined up until we return and I will moderate comments later.

6 comments:

gtrine said...

I, too, hope 2012 will be better for everyone, Kat. Take care!

Japan Australia said...

Hope you have a great New Year's Kat and all the best for 2012 :)

Japan Australia

Rowena said...

It's always interesting to read how cultures want to do the "proper thing" in cases where the situation is delicate. Have fun and good eats!

KirkK said...

Hey Kat - Have great New Year!

Deb in Hawaii said...

I hope you have a Happy New Years Kat and that 2012 is a good one for you.
;-)

K and S said...

I hope so too, Gtrine :)

you too J-A!

Thanks Rowena :)

Thanks Kirk, you too!

Thanks Deb, you too :)

Take care everyone.
Kat