Universal
Cultural · Seasonal
You
今年もお世話になりました。来年もどうぞよろしくお願いします。
ことしもおせわになりました。らいねんもどうぞよろしくおねがいします。
Thank you so much for everything this year. I look forward to your continued support next year.
Romaji: Kotoshi mo osewa ni narimashita. Rainen mo dōzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu. / Reply Romaji: Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Reply
こちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。
こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいします。
Likewise, I'm counting on your continued support as well.
Gesture & etiquette
Bow at 30–45 degrees (deeper for business, lighter for close friends); hold the bow for a beat to show sincerity; make brief eye contact before and after; both parties often bow simultaneously, then exchange light smiles.
Used in late December and the first few days of January, this phrase formally renews the social bond for the coming year. In Japan, relationships (both personal and business) are symbolically refreshed at year's end. Omitting this exchange with close colleagues or neighbors can feel cold.