【Essential Japanese】 Master “Kotoshi mo Arigatou Gozaimashita” for a Heartfelt Life in Japan

Hello there! Kumusta kayo? As your Japanese language teacher, I am thrilled to help you navigate one of the most beautiful aspects of living in Japan: the culture of gratitude. As we approach the end of the year, there is one specific phrase that acts as a “magic key” to building strong, lasting relationships with Japanese people. That phrase is 「今年もお世話になりました」(Kotoshi mo osewa ni narimashita) or its closely related cousin, 「今年もありがとうございました」(Kotoshi mo arigatou gozaimashita).

For Filipinos, expressing gratitude is second nature—we have our beautiful concept of “utang na loob” and “pagpapasalamat.” In Japan, these feelings are expressed through very specific seasonal phrases. Mastering these will not only help you pass exams like the JFT-Basic but will also make your daily life in Japan much warmer and more connected. 🇯🇵✨

1. Understanding the Core: What Does “Kotoshi mo Arigatou” Actually Mean? 🎍

Before we jump into how to say it, let’s look at what you are actually saying. In English, we simply say “Thank you for this year,” but the Japanese version carries a much deeper weight of reflection and respect. It acknowledges that you couldn’t have made it through the year without the support of the person you are talking to.

Japanese Phrase	Meaning / Nuance	Level of Formality
Kotoshi mo arigatou!	“Thanks for this year too!” (General gratitude)	Casual (Friends/Family)
Kotoshi mo arigatou gozaimashita.	“Thank you very much for everything this year.”	Polite (Teachers/Senpai)
Kotoshi mo osewa ni narimashita.	“Thank you for your support/kindness this year.”	Very Formal (Neighbors/Superiors)

The word 「今年」(Kotoshi) means “this year,” and 「も」(mo) means “also” or “too.” By saying “this year too,” you are implying that you were grateful for them last year, and you are grateful again this year. It creates a beautiful sense of continuity in your relationship! 🤝

2. Timing is Everything: When to Say It? 🕒

In Japan, timing is just as important as the words themselves. If you say “Kotoshi mo arigatou” on January 1st, you’ve actually made a mistake! This is a year-end phrase used only before the new year begins. Usually, you start using this phrase from mid-December until December 31st.

• Last day of school or class:

  When you finish your final Japanese lesson of the year, make sure to look at your teacher and say, 「先生、今年もお世話になりました！」(Sensei, kotoshi mo osewa ni narimashita!). It shows you respect their hard work in teaching you.

• Meeting neighbors in the hallway:

  If you live in an apartment, and you see your neighbor taking out the trash on December 30th, a quick 「今年もありがとうございました。良いお年を！」 will make them think, “Wow, this Filipino neighbor is so polite and knows Japanese culture well!”

• Sending messages to friends:

  On apps like Messenger or LINE, you can send this to your Japanese friends on New Year’s Eve. It’s the perfect way to close the chapter of the current year.

3. The “Combo” Phrase: Pairing it with “Yoi Otoshi Wo” 🎆

In almost every situation, “Kotoshi mo arigatou gozaimashita” is followed by another essential phrase: 「良いお年を」(Yoi otoshi wo). This is the Japanese way of saying “Have a happy New Year!” but it is only used before the year ends.

The Golden Rule of New Year Greetings:

1. Until Dec 31st: Use 「良いお年をお迎えください」(Yoi otoshi wo omukae kudasai) or just 「良いお年を」(Yoi otoshi wo) for short.
2. From Jan 1st: Use 「あけましておめでとうございます」(Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu).

Imagine you are leaving a gathering of friends on December 28th. You would say:

“Kotoshi mo arigatou! Yoi otoshi wo!”
(Thanks for this year! Have a great New Year!)

4. Expressing Gratitude Through Actions: Japanese Customs 🧹

In Japan, gratitude isn’t just spoken; it’s performed. To truly live a “heartfelt life” in Japan, you should understand how the Japanese “cleanse” the old year to make room for the new one. This is deeply tied to the concept of being thankful for your surroundings.

• O-soji (The Big Cleaning):
  Gratitude for your home and workplace.

  In late December, Japanese people do a deep clean called “O-soji.” By cleaning your room or your station, you are saying “thank you” to the space that protected you all year. For Filipino students, doing “O-soji” in your dormitory is a great way to show respect to your school.

• Nengajo (New Year Cards):
  Gratitude in writing.

  While we love sending stickers on Facebook, Japanese people still love sending physical postcards called Nengajo. Writing “Kotoshi mo osewa ni narimashita” on a card with a cute zodiac animal (like the Snake for 2025!) is a very high level of showing appreciation.

• Toshikoshi Soba:
  Gratitude for a long life.

  Eating buckwheat noodles on New Year’s Eve symbolizes “stretching out” your luck and life. It’s a quiet moment of being thankful for your health.

5. Why This Matters for Your Dream Life in Japan 🌏

You might be wondering, “Teacher, is it really that important to say this exactly right?” My answer is a big **YES!**

Living in Japan is not just about knowing grammar or passing the JFT-Basic. It is about “Kokoro” (Heart). Japanese society values harmony (Wa). When you take the time to say “Kotoshi mo arigatou gozaimashita,” you are telling the people around you: “I see you. I appreciate you. I am happy to be part of this community.”

Filipinos are famous in Japan for being cheerful and hardworking. If you add “perfect Japanese etiquette” to your natural warmth, you will find that Japanese people will open their hearts to you even more. They will be more willing to help you when you are lost, support you when you are tired, and celebrate with you when you succeed.

Conclusion: A New Year, A New You! 🌟

Mastering “Kotoshi mo arigatou gozaimashita” is more than just a language lesson; it is your first step into a deeper, more meaningful life in the Land of the Rising Sun. By acknowledging the past year’s kindness, you pave the way for a successful and happy year ahead. Remember, every “Arigatou” you say builds a bridge between the Philippines and Japan.

I am so proud of your dedication to learning. Japanese can be challenging, but with your Filipino spirit and “Never Give Up” attitude, you are going to do amazing things in Japan! Keep practicing, keep smiling, and always remember why you started this journey.

Kotoshi mo osewa ni narimashita! Rainen mo ganbarimashou! (Let’s do our best next year too!) 🎉💪