Happy New Year! How to say “Akemashite Omedetou” and set your “Houfu” in Japanese!

2026.01.01

Akemashite Omedetou!🌸✨

あけましておめでとう！

(Happy New Year!)

I am Cochi, your Japanese teacher from C.C.Rainbow. Today is January 1st, the most important day in Japan.

Is your New Year’s resolution to start learning Japanese? If so, you are in the right place!

Essential Greeting: Akemashite Omedetou

In Japan, we say “Akemashite Omedetou gozaimasu” (あけましておめでとうございます) to friends, family, and colleagues.

When you see your Japanese friends for the first time in 2026, try saying this!

In Japan, we have a special word for New Year’s resolutions: Houfu (ほうふ / 抱負).

It means your ambition, goal, or a big plan for the new year.

Most Japanese people set their Houfu on January 1st to start the year with a fresh mind.

Before we learn the grammar, let’s check some useful words for your goals:

To talk about your Houfu, we use this grammar:

“Kotoshi no houfu wa [Goal] desu.”

今年の抱負は○○です。

(My resolution for this year is [Goal].)

To share your Houfu with others, you can use these two easy patterns.

Choose the one that fits your feeling!

Use this when you talk about your desires and dreams.

Nihongo o hanashitai desu. (にほんごを　はなしたいです。) I want to speak Japanese.
Kanji o kakitai desu. (かんじを　かきたいです。) I want to write Kanji.
Motto kotoba o oboetai desu. (もっと　ことばを　おぼえたいです。) I want to memorize more words.

Use this when you want to show your strong determination or a habit you will start.

Mainichi benkyou shimasu. (まいにち　べんきょうします。) I will study every day.
Nihongo no hon o yomimasu. (にほんごの　ほんを　よみます。) I will read Japanese books.
Anime o jimaku nashi de mimasu. (アニメを　じまくなしで　みます。) I will watch anime without subtitles.

What is your Houfu for 2026?

Please check the vocabulary above and leave a comment using “~tai desu” or “~masu”.

Example: “Mainichi nihongo o hanashimasu!” (I will speak Japanese every day!)

I look forward to reading your goals!

Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

(ことしも　よろしくお願いします！) 🌈✨