Hello everyone!
Thank you so much for following my content and learning Japanese with me. This is my first monthly newsletter since The Fluency Path transitioned to a monthly edition. I started writing on Substack back in July, and time truly flies!
As we approach the end of the year, I want to remind you that you are always welcome to join our weekly in-depth learning community. I’d love to see you there so we can keep levelling up your Japanese skills together!
The Meaning Behind 師走 (Shiwasu)
Since we are in the final month of 2025, I’ve titled this edition the “師走 (Shiwasu) Newsletter.” Shiwasu is the traditional name for December in the lunar calendar, which Japan used until 1872. Even today, we often use these old names instead of simple numbers like 12月. I’ve always found it beautiful how kanji can turn a month into a story.
The characters for 師走 literally translate to “a running monk.” It describes the end-of-year rush so perfectly: a period so hectic that even the usually calm, composed monks are seen dashing about frantically to finish their year-end rituals!
Isn’t it artistic how a single word can paint such a vivid picture?
Vocabulary Spotlight: Year-End Edition
- 年末年始（ねんまつねんし）— The period covering the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one.
年末年始はどこで過ごす？
Where are you spending the New Year holidays?
- 大掃除（おおそうじ）— “The Big Clean.” A ritual cleaning of the house to welcome the gods of the New Year.
新年を迎える前に、今日は年末の大掃除をするよ！
Before we welcome the New Year, I’m doing a big year-end cleaning today!
- 仕事納め（しごとおさめ）— The final working day of the year (usually Dec 28th).
仕事納めはいつ？私は、今年は30日！
When is your last day of work for the year? Mine is on the 30th this year!
A Moment to Reflect
Whether you had a fantastic year or a challenging one, 2025 is coming to a close. Let’s give ourselves a pat on the back for “running” through the year alongside the monks! I truly hope 2026 brings you an abundance of happiness, comfort, and fulfilment.
To help you clear your mind and heart for a fresh start, here are a few prompts to reflect on your journey. Please feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or even a little complaint in the comments—let it all out so we can start the new year afresh!
- どんな一年でしたか？ (How was your year?)
- 何を一番頑張りましたか？ (What did you work hardest on?)
- 一番嬉しかったことはなんですか？ (What was your happiest moment?)
- 今年一番の本／映画／ドラマはなんでしたか？ (What was your favourite book/movie/drama this year?)
- 来年も継続したい、新しく始めた習慣などはありますか？ (Are there any new habits you started that you want to keep up next year?)
I look forward to reading your stories!
良いお年をお迎えください！
Have a wonderful New Year!
Photo by Takemaru Hirai on Unsplash
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