Happy New… or maybe I should say something a little different this year.
Every year, I write a New Year’s post on January 1st to greet my readers and share a little update. But this year feels a bit different for me.
In Japan, there is a custom called mochū (喪中) — a period of mourning after losing a close family member. During this time, we avoid using celebratory New Year greetings such as “Happy New Year” or “Akemashite omedetō,” and instead welcome the new year quietly and with gratitude.
My mother passed away in 2025, so I will be following this tradition. Even though I won’t use celebratory words this time, I still wanted to write a small message to thank everyone who reads my blog. Your support always means so much to me.
I hope 2026 brings gentle days, good health, and peaceful moments to you and your loved ones.
毎年、1月1日にブログで新年のご挨拶を書いていますが、今年は少し違った気持ちで新年を迎えています。
日本には、喪中（もちゅう）といって、近親者が亡くなった年は「おめでとう」などのお祝いの言葉を控える習慣があります。 2025年に母を亡くしたため、今年は静かに新年を迎えたいと思います。
お祝いの言葉は控えますが、いつもブログを読んでくださる皆さまに感謝の気持ちを伝えたくて、この投稿を書きました。 2026年が皆さまにとって穏やかで健やかな一年になりますように。
