Happy Chinese New Year Japanese 2025
While Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year) is widely celebrated across East Asia, Japan has a unique relationship with the holiday. Unlike China, Taiwan, and other countries that officially recognize the Lunar New Year, Japan follows the Gregorian calendar and celebrates New Year (Shōgatsu, 正月) on January 1st. However, due to historical ties and cultural influences, many people in Japan still acknowledge and celebrate the Chinese New Year—especially among the Chinese community and in cities with strong cultural connections.
With 2025 being the Year of the Dragon (辰年, Tatsu-doshi), there’s an extra level of excitement surrounding Lunar New Year festivities. Let’s explore how Japan recognizes the Chinese New Year, key greetings in Japanese, and where you can celebrate in Japan!
1. Does Japan Celebrate Chinese New Year? 🏮
Historically, Japan followed the Lunar calendar, just like China and Korea, meaning that Lunar New Year was once a major holiday. However, in 1873, during the Meiji Restoration, Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar, shifting its official New Year celebration to January 1st.
Despite this change, Chinese New Year still has a presence in Japan, particularly in:
✔ Chinatowns (e.g., Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki)
✔ Temples & Shrines (for special blessings and zodiac-related ceremonies)
✔ Japanese businesses that work with China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong
✔ Communities with Chinese heritage
So while most Japanese people do not officially celebrate Lunar New Year, you can still find vibrant festivities in certain areas.
2. How to Say “Happy Chinese New Year” in Japanese? 🇯🇵
If you want to wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year in Japanese, here are the best phrases:
1. 明けましておめでとうございます (Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu)
🔹 Meaning: “Happy New Year!”
🔹 Usage: This is a general New Year’s greeting in Japan, used mainly on January 1st, but it can also be used when referring to Lunar New Year in a polite way.
2. 旧正月おめでとうございます (Kyūshōgatsu omedetou gozaimasu)
🔹 Meaning: “Happy Lunar New Year!”
🔹 Usage: “Kyūshōgatsu” (旧正月) means “Old New Year” and refers to Lunar New Year. This phrase is more specific to Chinese New Year.
3. 春節おめでとうございます (Shunsetsu omedetou gozaimasu)
🔹 Meaning: “Happy Spring Festival!”
🔹 Usage: “Shunsetsu” (春節) is the Japanese way of saying “Spring Festival,” which is the Chinese term for Lunar New Year. This phrase is used mostly in Chinatowns and among Chinese communities in Japan.
4. 龍の年、おめでとうございます (Ryū no toshi, omedetou gozaimasu)
🔹 Meaning: “Happy Year of the Dragon!”
🔹 Usage: Since 2025 is the Year of the Dragon (辰年, Tatsu-doshi), this is a fun and festive greeting!
Using these greetings when visiting Chinatown areas or sending messages to Chinese or Japanese friends is a great way to show cultural appreciation!
3. Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Japan? 🎇🇯🇵
Even though Japan doesn’t have a nationwide public holiday for Chinese New Year, you can still find some amazing celebrations, especially in Chinatowns and certain temples.
1. Yokohama Chinatown (横浜中華街) 🏮🐲
📍 Location: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
🎊 Highlights:
- Lunar New Year Parade with dragon and lion dances
- Temple visits to Kanteibyo (關帝廟), a temple dedicated to Guan Yu
- Firecrackers & cultural performances
- Special Lunar New Year food menus at Chinese restaurants
Yokohama is Japan’s largest Chinatown, and its Chinese New Year festival is the most famous in the country!
2. Kobe Chinatown (南京町, Nankin-machi) 🏮🥟
📍 Location: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
🎊 Highlights:
- Traditional Chinese performances & lion dances
- Dumpling & street food stalls
- Nighttime lantern displays
Kobe’s Chinatown is smaller than Yokohama’s, but it still holds vibrant New Year celebrations.
3. Nagasaki Chinatown (長崎新地中華街) 🎇🐉
📍 Location: Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
🎊 Highlights:
- Nagasaki Lantern Festival with over 15,000 lanterns!
- Traditional Chinese opera & performances
- Stunning dragon dance parades
This festival is one of the most beautiful Lunar New Year celebrations in Japan, with lanterns lighting up the city.
4. Kanda Myojin Shrine (神田明神) – Tokyo ⛩
📍 Location: Tokyo
🎊 Why Visit?
- Blessings for business success (Kanda Myojin is known for helping entrepreneurs and businesspeople).
- Dragon-themed omamori (amulets) for the Year of the Dragon.
- Special ceremonies to wish for a prosperous year.
Even though it’s a Shinto shrine, Kanda Myojin recognizes the Chinese zodiac and offers special prayers during Lunar New Year.
4. Traditional Foods for Lunar New Year in Japan 🍜🥟
If you want to experience the flavors of Lunar New Year in Japan, try these delicious dishes:
🥟 Dumplings (餃子, Gyoza) – Symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
🍜 Longevity Noodles (長寿麺, Chōju-men) – Representing long life.
🐟 Whole Fish (魚, Sakana) – A sign of abundance.
🍊 Mandarins (みかん, Mikan) – Bringing good fortune.
Many Chinese restaurants in Japan serve these special New Year dishes, especially in Chinatowns.
5. Embracing the Spirit of Chinese New Year in Japan 🎆🐉
Even though Japan doesn’t officially celebrate Chinese New Year, the holiday still holds cultural significance, especially in Chinatown districts and among Chinese communities. Whether you’re sending Lunar New Year greetings in Japanese, enjoying a festival in Yokohama, or simply eating dumplings to welcome prosperity, there are plenty of ways to embrace the festive spirit in 2025!
🧧 Happy Chinese New Year 2025! Wishing you good fortune, health, and happiness in the Year of the Dragon! 🐉🎊
✨ 新年快乐! (Xīn Nián Kuài Lè!)
✨ 旧正月おめでとうございます! (Kyūshōgatsu omedetou gozaimasu!)
