Shigoto-osame / Goyo-osame -- The Last Workday of the Year

What Is "Shigoto-osame"?

Around December 28th falls "shigoto-osame" (the last workday of the year), known in government offices as "goyo-osame." The custom traces back to an 1873 proclamation by the Daijokan (Grand Council of State), which established that government offices would take holiday leave from December 29th through January 3rd of the following year.

Why Is the 28th the Standard Date?

Because the year-end holiday is set to begin on December 29th, the preceding day, December 28th, becomes the year's final working day.

• In a typical year: December 28th is the day work wraps up for the year
• If the 28th falls on a weekend: the preceding weekday (Friday) becomes the last workday instead
• The current legal basis: today the practice is governed by the 1988 Act on Holidays of Administrative Organs

The Difference Between "Goyo-osame" and "Shigoto-osame"

"Goyo-osame" is used specifically for government offices and public institutions, where "goyo" refers to official duties. "Shigoto-osame" is the more general term, widely used across private companies as well. Since many private businesses align their year-end holidays with the government schedule, the two terms effectively refer to the same period in most cases.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Clean up your workplace and tidy your desk for the year
• Look back on the year's work and think about goals for the year ahead
• Thank your coworkers for their support over the past year
• Get started on New Year's cards or other New Year's preparations

A Day to Draw a Clean Line Under the Year

Shigoto-osame isn't just a marker on the calendar -- it's a meaningful milestone for giving thanks for a year of work and starting fresh for the new year ahead. Let late December be a time to reflect on a busy year and prepare to welcome the year-end and New Year with a clear mind.