{"id":3375,"date":"2026-10-13T21:43:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T12:43:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/?p=3375"},"modified":"2026-10-13T21:44:34","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T12:44:34","slug":"oseibo-thank-you-letter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/en\/oseibo-thank-you-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write an Oseibo Thank-You Letter: 12 Japanese Samples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every December, parcels of fine food and seasonal delicacies start arriving at homes and offices all over Japan. These are <strong>oseibo<\/strong> (\u304a\u6b73\u66ae) \u2014 year-end gifts sent to say &#8220;thank you for everything this year.&#8221; If you live or work in Japan, have Japanese in-laws, or study under a Japanese teacher, sooner or later one will arrive at your door \u2014 or you may want to send one yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And then the question comes: <em>Do I need to write a letter? What should it say? How soon?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good news is that Japanese year-end letters follow a clear pattern. Once you know the pattern, all you need to add is a line or two in your own words. In this guide we explain what oseibo is, how the <strong>thank-you letter<\/strong> (\u304a\u793c\u72b6, <em>orei-j\u014d<\/em>) and the <strong>cover letter<\/strong> sent with a gift (\u9001\u308a\u72b6, <em>okuri-j\u014d<\/em>) work, and share <strong>12 sample letters<\/strong> in Japanese with English translations \u2014 for business partners, superiors, in-laws, friends, short notes on <em>ippitsusen<\/em> notepaper, and even email. Simply copy the Japanese and replace the \u25cb\u25cb parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Oseibo? Japan&#8217;s Year-End Gift in a Nutshell<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oseibo literally means &#8220;the end of the year.&#8221; It is a gift sent to people who have looked after you during the year \u2014 clients and business partners, your boss, a teacher, a doctor, parents and in-laws, relatives who live far away. Its summer counterpart is <em>och\u016bgen<\/em> (\u304a\u4e2d\u5143), sent in July or August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>When:<\/strong> generally from early December to around December 20th. In recent years many people start in late November.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What:<\/strong> usually something consumable \u2014 regional specialties, seafood, fruit, sweets, coffee, beer or sake. Most are shipped directly from a department store or online shop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Is a return gift expected?<\/strong> No. Oseibo is itself a &#8220;thank you,&#8221; so a written thank-you letter is the proper response (see the FAQ below).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because the gift usually arrives by delivery \u2014 sometimes with no note at all \u2014 letters play an important role on both sides. The sender&#8217;s cover letter tells the recipient what is coming and why. The recipient&#8217;s thank-you letter confirms that the parcel arrived safely and that it was appreciated. In Japan, staying silent after receiving a gift can leave the sender wondering whether it ever arrived, which is why a prompt letter matters so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thank-You Letter vs. Cover Letter: What&#8217;s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two letters are mirror images: different writers, different timing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><\/th><th>Thank-you letter (\u304a\u793c\u72b6)<\/th><th>Cover letter (\u9001\u308a\u72b6)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Who writes it<\/td><td>The person who received the oseibo<\/td><td>The person sending the oseibo<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>When<\/td><td>Within about 3 days of receiving the gift<\/td><td>So that it arrives before (or with) the gift<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Purpose<\/td><td>To thank them and let them know it arrived safely<\/td><td>To announce the gift and when it will arrive<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Usual format<\/td><td>Letter paper in an envelope, or a postcard (an <em>ippitsusen<\/em> note for close friends)<\/td><td>Letter or postcard, or an <em>ippitsusen<\/em> note tucked in with the gift<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An easy way to remember: <strong>the sender writes the cover letter, the recipient writes the thank-you letter.<\/strong> Neither is a strict obligation, but a handwritten letter changes how the gift is remembered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-letterset-izumo-washi.jpg\" alt=\"Izumo washi letter set: vertical-ruled writing paper and Japanese-style envelope\" class=\"wp-image-3366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-letterset-izumo-washi.jpg 640w, https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-letterset-izumo-washi-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With writing paper and an envelope, you have everything you need for both letters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Writing an Oseibo Thank-You Letter: The Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Soon Should You Send It? Within 3 Days<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aim to send your thank-you letter <strong>within three days<\/strong> of receiving the gift. Since the letter also tells the sender that the parcel arrived, the sooner the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are late, sending it anyway is far better than not sending one at all. Simply add a line such as \u300c\u5fa1\u793c\u304c\u9045\u304f\u306a\u308a\u5931\u793c\u3044\u305f\u3057\u307e\u3057\u305f\u300d(<em>&#8220;Please forgive me for my late thanks&#8221;<\/em>). With close family or friends, you can first call or message to say it arrived, then follow up with a letter \u2014 that is considered especially polite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Four-Part Structure of a Japanese Letter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Formal Japanese letters are built in four blocks. Follow this order and your letter will have the right shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Opening (\u524d\u6587)<\/strong>: an opening word such as <em>haikei<\/em> (\u62dd\u5553) \u2192 a seasonal greeting \u2192 a few words hoping the reader is well<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Main body (\u4e3b\u6587)<\/strong>: thanks for the oseibo \u2192 your impression of the gift (be specific \u2014 e.g. &#8220;we enjoyed it together as a family&#8221;) \u2192 thanks for the past year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closing (\u672b\u6587)<\/strong>: wishes for their health and good relations in the new year \u2192 a closing word such as <em>keigu<\/em> (\u656c\u5177)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Date and names (\u5f8c\u4ed8\u3051)<\/strong>: date, your name and the recipient&#8217;s name (include these for business letters and superiors)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most important part is your <strong>impression of the gift<\/strong>. Rather than only &#8220;we gratefully received it,&#8221; add a line about what happened afterwards \u2014 &#8220;we all sat around the table and enjoyed it,&#8221; or &#8220;I was so touched that you remembered my favorite.&#8221; Even a standard letter feels warm with that one personal touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-binsen-tategei.jpg\" alt=\"Vertical-ruled Izumo washi writing paper\" class=\"wp-image-3367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-binsen-tategei.jpg 640w, https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-binsen-tategei-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vertical-ruled paper keeps the lines of each section neatly aligned<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">December Seasonal Greetings and Opening\/Closing Words<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japanese letters traditionally open with a short phrase about the season. Here are greetings commonly used in December. Formal &#8220;kango&#8221; phrases suit business and superiors; softer conversational phrases suit people you are closer to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Formal: \u5e2b\u8d70\u306e\u5019 (<em>shiwasu no k\u014d<\/em>, &#8220;in this busy month of December&#8221;), \u6b73\u672b\u306e\u5019 (&#8220;at the close of the year&#8221;), \u521d\u51ac\u306e\u5019 (&#8220;in early winter&#8221; \u2014 early December), \u5bd2\u51b7\u306e\u5019 (&#8220;in this cold season&#8221;)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Softer: \u300c\u5e2b\u8d70\u306b\u5165\u308a\u3001\u4f55\u304b\u3068\u6c17\u305c\u308f\u3057\u3044\u65e5\u3005\u304c\u7d9a\u3044\u3066\u304a\u308a\u307e\u3059\u300d (&#8220;December has arrived, and the days are busy&#8221;), \u300c\u4eca\u5e74\u3082\u6b8b\u3059\u3068\u3053\u308d\u308f\u305a\u304b\u3068\u306a\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u300d (&#8220;Only a few days of the year remain&#8221; \u2014 late December)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The standard pair of opening and closing words is <strong>\u62dd\u5553 (haikei) \u2026 \u656c\u5177 (keigu)<\/strong>, roughly &#8220;Dear \u2026 Sincerely.&#8221; For very formal letters, use \u8b39\u5553 (kinkei) \u2026 \u8b39\u767d (kinpaku). Women may close with \u304b\u3057\u3053 (kashiko) instead of keigu. On a postcard or short note to someone close, you can leave the opening and closing words out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Letter, Postcard or Ippitsusen?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For superiors and business partners, the most polite choice is <strong>a letter on writing paper, sent in an envelope<\/strong>. Plain white or pale-colored paper is best, and writing vertically is considered the formal style. A postcard is perfectly fine for relatives and friends. An <em>ippitsusen<\/em> (\u4e00\u7b46\u7b8b) \u2014 a narrow notepaper for a few lines \u2014 suits short thanks to people you are close to, and makes an ideal note to tuck in with a gift (samples later in this article).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1104\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-fusho-hagaki-ippitsusen.jpg\" alt=\"From left: Japanese envelope, postcard and ippitsusen notepaper in Izumo washi\" class=\"wp-image-3368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-fusho-hagaki-ippitsusen.jpg 1104w, https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-fusho-hagaki-ippitsusen-300x130.jpg 300w, https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-fusho-hagaki-ippitsusen-1024x445.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-fusho-hagaki-ippitsusen-768x334.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1104px) 100vw, 1104px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">From left: letter in an envelope, postcard, ippitsusen. Choose by your relationship with the recipient<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oseibo Thank-You Letter Samples: 5 Letters for Different Recipients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below are thank-you letters you can copy as they are. Write the Japanese text in your letter, replacing the \u25cb\u25cb parts with the name of the gift or your own words. The English translations are there to help you understand what each line says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample 1: To a Business Partner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For an oseibo delivered to your company. As the letter comes from the company, sign it with the representative&#8217;s name or the department name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border -border04 wp-block-paragraph\">\u62dd\u5553\u3000\u5e2b\u8d70\u306e\u5019\u3001\u8cb4\u793e\u307e\u3059\u307e\u3059\u3054\u9686\u76db\u306e\u3053\u3068\u3068\u304a\u6176\u3073\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002\u5e73\u7d20\u306f\u683c\u5225\u306e\u304a\u5f15\u304d\u7acb\u3066\u3092\u8cdc\u308a\u3001\u539a\u304f\u5fa1\u793c\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u3055\u3066\u3001\u3053\u306e\u305f\u3073\u306f\u7d50\u69cb\u306a\u304a\u6b73\u66ae\u306e\u54c1\u3092\u304a\u8d08\u308a\u3044\u305f\u3060\u304d\u3001\u8aa0\u306b\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u793e\u54e1\u4e00\u540c\u3001\u3042\u308a\u304c\u305f\u304f\u9802\u6234\u3044\u305f\u3057\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<br>\u672c\u5e74\u3082\u5927\u5909\u304a\u4e16\u8a71\u306b\u306a\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u6765\u5e74\u3082\u5909\u308f\u3089\u306c\u3054\u611b\u9867\u306e\u307b\u3069\u3001\u3088\u308d\u3057\u304f\u304a\u9858\u3044\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u307e\u305a\u306f\u7565\u5100\u306a\u304c\u3089\u3001\u66f8\u4e2d\u3092\u3082\u3061\u307e\u3057\u3066\u5fa1\u793c\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u656c\u5177<br>\u4ee4\u548c\u25cb\u5e74\u5341\u4e8c\u6708\u25cb\u65e5<br>\u682a\u5f0f\u4f1a\u793e\u25cb\u25cb\u3000\u4ee3\u8868\u53d6\u7de0\u5f79\u3000\u25cb\u25cb\u25cb\u25cb<br>\u682a\u5f0f\u4f1a\u793e\u25b3\u25b3\u3000\u4ee3\u8868\u53d6\u7de0\u5f79\u3000\u25b3\u25b3\u25b3\u25b3\u69d8<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In English:<\/em> Dear Sir or Madam, In this busy month of December, we are delighted to hear of your company&#8217;s continued prosperity, and thank you for your constant patronage. We sincerely thank you for the splendid year-end gift you kindly sent us. All of our staff received it with gratitude. Thank you for all your support this year; we look forward to your continued favor in the coming year. Please accept this letter as our brief expression of thanks. Sincerely, [date], [your company, title, name] to [their company, title, name].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample 2: To a Junior Colleague or Former Student<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oseibo is usually given to someone senior, so you may be the one receiving it from a subordinate or student. A letter from senior to junior can be relaxed, and words recognizing their hard work this year are always appreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border -border04 wp-block-paragraph\">\u62dd\u5553\u3000\u5e2b\u8d70\u3092\u8fce\u3048\u3001\u5bd2\u3055\u3082\u3072\u3068\u3057\u304a\u8eab\u306b\u3057\u307f\u308b\u9803\u3068\u306a\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u304a\u5143\u6c17\u3067\u304a\u904e\u3054\u3057\u306e\u3053\u3068\u3068\u601d\u3044\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u3053\u306e\u305f\u3073\u306f\u3054\u4e01\u5be7\u306b\u304a\u6b73\u66ae\u3092\u304a\u8d08\u308a\u304f\u3060\u3055\u308a\u3001\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u79c1\u306e\u597d\u7269\u306e\u25cb\u25cb\u3092\u899a\u3048\u3066\u3044\u3066\u304f\u308c\u305f\u3053\u3068\u304c\u4f55\u3088\u308a\u3046\u308c\u3057\u304f\u3001\u5bb6\u65cf\u3067\u304a\u3044\u3057\u304f\u3044\u305f\u3060\u304d\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<br>\u4eca\u5e74\u306f\u25cb\u25cb\u3067\u306e\u304c\u3093\u3070\u308a\u304c\u3058\u3064\u306b\u983c\u3082\u3057\u304f\u3001\u79c1\u3082\u305a\u3044\u3076\u3093\u52a9\u3051\u3089\u308c\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<br>\u5bd2\u3055\u53b3\u3057\u304d\u6298\u3001\u4f53\u8abf\u3092\u304f\u305a\u3055\u306c\u3088\u3046\u6c17\u3092\u3064\u3051\u3066\u3001\u3069\u3046\u305e\u3088\u3044\u5e74\u3092\u304a\u8fce\u3048\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044\u3002<br>\u656c\u5177<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In English:<\/em> December is here and the cold is really setting in. I hope you are keeping well. Thank you so much for your thoughtful year-end gift. I was especially happy that you remembered \u25cb\u25cb is my favorite, and my family and I enjoyed it very much. Your hard work on \u25cb\u25cb this year was truly reassuring, and it helped me a great deal. Please take care of yourself in the cold, and have a wonderful new year. Sincerely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample 3: To Your Parents-in-Law<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a gift of regional specialties from your spouse&#8217;s parents. Mentioning how the grandchildren enjoyed it will make them very happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border -border04 wp-block-paragraph\">\u62dd\u5553\u3000\u5e2b\u8d70\u306b\u5165\u308a\u3001\u671d\u6669\u306e\u51b7\u3048\u8fbc\u307f\u304c\u53b3\u3057\u304f\u306a\u3063\u3066\u307e\u3044\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u304a\u7fa9\u7236\u69d8\u3001\u304a\u7fa9\u6bcd\u69d8\u306b\u306f\u304a\u5909\u308f\u308a\u306a\u304f\u304a\u904e\u3054\u3057\u3067\u3057\u3087\u3046\u304b\u3002<br>\u3053\u306e\u305f\u3073\u306f\u3001\u304a\u3044\u3057\u3044\u25cb\u25cb\u3092\u305f\u304f\u3055\u3093\u304a\u9001\u308a\u3044\u305f\u3060\u304d\u3001\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u5b50\u3069\u3082\u305f\u3061\u3082\u5927\u559c\u3073\u3067\u3001\u3055\u3063\u305d\u304f\u5915\u98df\u3067\u3044\u305f\u3060\u304d\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u3044\u3064\u3082\u304a\u5fc3\u306b\u304b\u3051\u3066\u3044\u305f\u3060\u304d\u3001\u672c\u5f53\u306b\u611f\u8b1d\u3057\u3066\u304a\u308a\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u5e74\u672b\u5e74\u59cb\u306b\u306f\u3001\u5bb6\u65cf\u305d\u308d\u3063\u3066\u3054\u3042\u3044\u3055\u3064\u306b\u3046\u304b\u304c\u3046\u4e88\u5b9a\u3067\u3059\u3002\u5bd2\u3055\u304c\u3044\u3063\u305d\u3046\u53b3\u3057\u304f\u306a\u308a\u307e\u3059\u306e\u3067\u3001\u3069\u3046\u305e\u304a\u4f53\u3092\u5927\u5207\u306b\u306a\u3055\u3063\u3066\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044\u3002<br>\u656c\u5177<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In English:<\/em> Now that December is here, the mornings and evenings have turned quite cold. I hope you are both well. Thank you so much for sending us so much delicious \u25cb\u25cb. The children were thrilled, and we had it for dinner right away. We are truly grateful that you always think of us. We are planning to visit as a family over the New Year holidays. As it will only get colder, please take good care of yourselves. Sincerely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample 4: To Relatives or Friends (Casual)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For people you are close to, you can skip the opening word and seasonal greeting and write as if you were talking to them. A postcard or ippitsusen is perfectly fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border -border04 wp-block-paragraph\">\u5e2b\u8d70\u306b\u5165\u308a\u3001\u306a\u306b\u304b\u3068\u614c\u305f\u3060\u3057\u3044\u6bce\u65e5\u3067\u3059\u306d\u3002\u304a\u5143\u6c17\u3067\u3059\u304b\u3002<br>\u5148\u65e5\u306f\u3001\u304a\u3044\u3057\u3044\u25cb\u25cb\u3092\u9001\u3063\u3066\u304f\u308c\u3066\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3002\u5c4a\u3044\u305f\u305d\u306e\u65e5\u306b\u5bb6\u65cf\u3067\u98df\u3079\u3066\u3001\u307f\u3093\u306a\u3067\u300c\u3084\u3063\u3071\u308a\u3053\u308c\u3060\u306d\u300d\u3068\u8a71\u3057\u3066\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<br>\u4eca\u5e74\u3082\u3044\u308d\u3044\u308d\u304a\u4e16\u8a71\u306b\u306a\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u6765\u5e74\u3082\u3069\u3046\u305e\u3088\u308d\u3057\u304f\u306d\u3002\u5bd2\u304f\u306a\u308b\u306e\u3067\u3001\u98a8\u90aa\u306a\u3069\u3072\u304b\u306a\u3044\u3088\u3046\u306b\u6c17\u3092\u3064\u3051\u3066\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In English:<\/em> December is here and every day is so busy! How are you? Thank you for the delicious \u25cb\u25cb you sent the other day. We ate it as a family the very day it arrived, and everyone agreed, &#8220;This is the best.&#8221; Thanks for everything this year, and I hope we&#8217;ll keep in touch next year too. It&#8217;s getting cold, so take care not to catch a cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample 5: Declining Future Oseibo Gifts Politely<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If receiving a gift every year makes you uncomfortable, first thank them sincerely, then gently express your wish without causing offense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border -border04 wp-block-paragraph\">\u62dd\u5553\u3000\u5e2b\u8d70\u306e\u5019\u3001\u7686\u69d8\u306b\u306f\u307e\u3059\u307e\u3059\u3054\u5065\u52dd\u306e\u3053\u3068\u3068\u304a\u6176\u3073\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u3053\u306e\u305f\u3073\u306f\u7d50\u69cb\u306a\u304a\u6b73\u66ae\u306e\u54c1\u3092\u304a\u8d08\u308a\u3044\u305f\u3060\u304d\u3001\u8aa0\u306b\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u3044\u3064\u3082\u306a\u304c\u3089\u306e\u304a\u5fc3\u9063\u3044\u306b\u3001\u6050\u7e2e\u3057\u3066\u304a\u308a\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u305f\u3060\u3001\u6bce\u5e74\u3053\u306e\u3088\u3046\u306a\u304a\u6c17\u9063\u3044\u3092\u3044\u305f\u3060\u3044\u3066\u306f\u3001\u304b\u3048\u3063\u3066\u5fc3\u82e6\u3057\u304f\u5b58\u3058\u307e\u3059\u3002\u3069\u3046\u304b\u4eca\u5f8c\u306f\u304a\u6c17\u9063\u3044\u306a\u3055\u3044\u307e\u305b\u3093\u3088\u3046\u3001\u304a\u9858\u3044\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002\u3053\u308c\u304b\u3089\u3082\u5909\u308f\u3089\u306c\u304a\u4ed8\u304d\u5408\u3044\u3092\u3044\u305f\u3060\u3051\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3089\u3001\u305d\u308c\u304c\u4f55\u3088\u308a\u306e\u559c\u3073\u3067\u3059\u3002<br>\u5bd2\u3055\u53b3\u3057\u304d\u6298\u3001\u7686\u69d8\u3069\u3046\u305e\u3054\u81ea\u611b\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044\u3002<br>\u656c\u5177<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In English:<\/em> In this busy month of December, I am glad to know that you are all in good health. Thank you very much for the splendid year-end gift. I am humbled by your kindness, as always. However, receiving such thoughtfulness every year makes me feel rather apologetic, so I hope you will not trouble yourselves from now on. Your continued friendship is what makes me happiest. Please take good care of yourselves in this cold season. Sincerely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your employer&#8217;s rules do not allow you to accept gifts, the usual practice is to return the item unopened with a letter explaining the rule and thanking them for their kindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Write an Oseibo Cover Letter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is a Cover Letter? Send It Ahead of the Gift<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A cover letter (\u9001\u308a\u72b6) is written by the sender to say, &#8220;I have sent you this gift, and it will arrive around this date.&#8221; When a gift is shipped straight from a department store or online shop, the cover letter keeps it from arriving out of the blue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Formally, the cover letter should be mailed so that it arrives <strong>before<\/strong> the gift \u2014 or at the latest on the same day. If there isn&#8217;t time, or the recipient is close to you, it&#8217;s fine to enclose it with the gift instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oseibo is normally sent between early December and around December 20th. If you miss the end of the year, send it during <em>matsu-no-uchi<\/em> (the New Year period, until January 7th \u2014 or 15th in some regions) labeled \u300c\u5fa1\u5e74\u8cc0\u300d (<em>on-nenga<\/em>, a New Year&#8217;s gift); after that, label it \u300c\u5bd2\u4e2d\u5fa1\u898b\u821e\u300d (<em>kanch\u016b omimai<\/em>, a midwinter greeting).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Include in a Cover Letter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A seasonal greeting and a few words hoping they are well<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thanks for their kindness over the past year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>That you have sent an oseibo (what it is, and roughly when it will arrive)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A humble closing such as \u300c\u3054\u7b11\u7d0d\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044\u300d (<em>gosh\u014dn\u014d kudasai<\/em>, &#8220;please accept this small token&#8221;) and good wishes for the coming year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mentioning the item and the expected delivery date is considerate \u2014 it helps the recipient be home to receive it, and fresh or chilled items can be stored properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oseibo Cover Letter Samples: 3 Letters for Different Recipients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample 6: To a Business Partner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border -border04 wp-block-paragraph\">\u62dd\u5553\u3000\u5e2b\u8d70\u306e\u5019\u3001\u8cb4\u793e\u307e\u3059\u307e\u3059\u3054\u9686\u76db\u306e\u3053\u3068\u3068\u304a\u6176\u3073\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002\u5e73\u7d20\u306f\u683c\u5225\u306e\u3054\u9ad8\u914d\u3092\u8cdc\u308a\u3001\u539a\u304f\u5fa1\u793c\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u3055\u3066\u3001\u672c\u5e74\u4e00\u5e74\u306e\u3054\u539a\u60c5\u3078\u306e\u611f\u8b1d\u306e\u3057\u308b\u3057\u3068\u3057\u3066\u3001\u5fc3\u3070\u304b\u308a\u306e\u54c1\u3092\u5225\u4fbf\u306b\u3066\u304a\u9001\u308a\u3044\u305f\u3057\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u25cb\u6708\u25cb\u65e5\u3054\u308d\u5230\u7740\u306e\u4e88\u5b9a\u3067\u3059\u3002\u3054\u7b11\u7d0d\u3044\u305f\u3060\u3051\u308c\u3070\u5e78\u3044\u306b\u5b58\u3058\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u6765\u5e74\u3082\u5909\u308f\u3089\u306c\u304a\u5f15\u304d\u7acb\u3066\u306e\u307b\u3069\u3001\u3088\u308d\u3057\u304f\u304a\u9858\u3044\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u307e\u305a\u306f\u7565\u5100\u306a\u304c\u3089\u3001\u66f8\u4e2d\u306b\u3066\u3054\u3042\u3044\u3055\u3064\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u656c\u5177<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In English:<\/em> Dear Sir or Madam, In this busy month of December, we are delighted to hear of your company&#8217;s continued prosperity, and thank you for your generous support. As a token of our gratitude for your kindness this year, we have sent you a small gift under separate cover, which should arrive around [date]. We hope you will kindly accept it. We look forward to your continued patronage in the coming year. Please accept this letter as our brief greeting. Sincerely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample 7: To a Teacher or Boss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border -border04 wp-block-paragraph\">\u62dd\u5553\u3000\u5e2b\u8d70\u306b\u5165\u308a\u3001\u5bd2\u3055\u304c\u4e00\u6bb5\u3068\u8eab\u306b\u3057\u307f\u308b\u9803\u3068\u306a\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u25cb\u25cb\u5148\u751f\u306b\u306f\u304a\u5143\u6c17\u3067\u304a\u904e\u3054\u3057\u306e\u3053\u3068\u3068\u62dd\u5bdf\u3044\u305f\u3057\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u672c\u5e74\u3082\u4f55\u304b\u3068\u3054\u6307\u5c0e\u3044\u305f\u3060\u304d\u3001\u8aa0\u306b\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u304a\u304b\u3052\u3055\u307e\u3067\u3001\u25cb\u25cb\u3082\u7121\u4e8b\u306b\u25cb\u25cb\u3059\u308b\u3053\u3068\u304c\u3067\u304d\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<br>\u3064\u304d\u307e\u3057\u3066\u306f\u3001\u65e5\u9803\u306e\u611f\u8b1d\u306e\u6c17\u6301\u3061\u3092\u8fbc\u3081\u307e\u3057\u3066\u3001\u79c1\u306e\u90f7\u91cc\u306e\u540d\u7523\u306e\u25cb\u25cb\u3092\u5225\u4fbf\u306b\u3066\u304a\u9001\u308a\u3044\u305f\u3057\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u304a\u53e3\u306b\u5408\u3048\u3070\u3046\u308c\u3057\u304f\u5b58\u3058\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u5e74\u672b\u306b\u5411\u3051\u3066\u3054\u591a\u5fd9\u306e\u3053\u3068\u3068\u5b58\u3058\u307e\u3059\u304c\u3001\u3069\u3046\u305e\u304a\u4f53\u3092\u5927\u5207\u306b\u3001\u3088\u3044\u304a\u5e74\u3092\u304a\u8fce\u3048\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044\u3002<br>\u656c\u5177<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In English:<\/em> December has arrived and the cold grows sharper each day. I trust you are keeping well, \u25cb\u25cb-sensei. Thank you so much for all your guidance this year. Thanks to you, I was able to [achievement]. As a token of my gratitude, I have sent you some \u25cb\u25cb, a specialty of my hometown, under separate cover. I hope you will enjoy it. I know you will be busy toward the end of the year, but please take care of yourself and have a wonderful new year. Sincerely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample 8: To Your Parents or Relatives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border -border04 wp-block-paragraph\">\u304a\u7236\u3055\u3093\u3001\u304a\u6bcd\u3055\u3093\u3001\u5143\u6c17\u306b\u3057\u3066\u3044\u307e\u3059\u304b\u3002\u3053\u3061\u3089\u306f\u307f\u3093\u306a\u5143\u6c17\u306b\u3084\u3063\u3066\u3044\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u4eca\u5e74\u3082\u3044\u308d\u3044\u308d\u3068\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3002\u3055\u3055\u3084\u304b\u3067\u3059\u304c\u3001\u304a\u6b73\u66ae\u306b\u25cb\u25cb\u3092\u9001\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u25cb\u65e5\u306e\u5348\u524d\u4e2d\u306b\u5c4a\u304f\u3088\u3046\u306b\u624b\u914d\u3057\u305f\u306e\u3067\u3001\u53d7\u3051\u53d6\u3063\u3066\u306d\u3002<br>\u5bd2\u304f\u306a\u308b\u306e\u3067\u3001\u4f53\u306b\u6c17\u3092\u3064\u3051\u3066\u3002\u304a\u6b63\u6708\u306b\u4f1a\u3048\u308b\u306e\u3092\u697d\u3057\u307f\u306b\u3057\u3066\u3044\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In English:<\/em> Mom, Dad, how are you? We&#8217;re all doing well here. Thank you for everything this year. It&#8217;s just something small, but I&#8217;ve sent you some \u25cb\u25cb as an oseibo. It should arrive on the morning of the \u25cbth, so please look out for it. It&#8217;s getting cold, so take care. I&#8217;m looking forward to seeing you at New Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3 Short Notes on Ippitsusen: Gift Notes and Quick Thanks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An <em>ippitsusen<\/em> (\u4e00\u7b46\u7b8b) is a narrow notepaper, a little like a long strip, designed for just a few lines. It is perfect for a note slipped in with a gift or a quick thank-you to someone close. Skip the opening word and seasonal greeting, and keep it short and to the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample 9: A Note Enclosed With the Gift (Business or Superiors)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border -border04 wp-block-paragraph\">\u672c\u5e74\u3082\u5927\u5909\u304a\u4e16\u8a71\u306b\u306a\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<br>\u611f\u8b1d\u306e\u3057\u308b\u3057\u306b\u3001\u5fc3\u3070\u304b\u308a\u306e\u54c1\u3092\u304a\u5c4a\u3051\u3044\u305f\u3057\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u3054\u7b11\u7d0d\u3044\u305f\u3060\u3051\u308c\u3070\u5e78\u3044\u3067\u3059\u3002<br>\u6765\u5e74\u3082\u3069\u3046\u305e\u3088\u308d\u3057\u304f\u304a\u9858\u3044\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In English:<\/em> Thank you for all your kindness this year. Please accept this small gift as a token of my gratitude. I look forward to working with you again next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample 10: A Note Enclosed With the Gift (Close Friends)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border -border04 wp-block-paragraph\">\u4eca\u5e74\u3082\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3002<br>\u5730\u5143\u3067\u8a55\u5224\u306e\u25cb\u25cb\u3092\u898b\u3064\u3051\u305f\u306e\u3067\u9001\u308a\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u3054\u5bb6\u65cf\u3067\u53ec\u3057\u4e0a\u304c\u3063\u3066\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044\u3002<br>\u3088\u3044\u304a\u5e74\u3092\uff01<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In English:<\/em> Thanks for everything this year! I found some \u25cb\u25cb that&#8217;s popular around here, so I&#8217;m sending it to you. I hope your family enjoys it. Happy New Year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample 11: A Short Thank-You on Ippitsusen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border -border04 wp-block-paragraph\">\u304a\u5fc3\u306e\u3053\u3082\u3063\u305f\u304a\u6b73\u66ae\u3092\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002<br>\u3055\u3063\u305d\u304f\u5bb6\u65cf\u3067\u304a\u3044\u3057\u304f\u3044\u305f\u3060\u3044\u3066\u3044\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u5bd2\u3055\u53b3\u3057\u304d\u6298\u3001\u3069\u3046\u305e\u3054\u81ea\u611b\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In English:<\/em> Thank you for your thoughtful year-end gift. My family is already enjoying it. Please take care of yourself in this cold season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A thank-you on ippitsusen is best for people you know well. For superiors and business partners, a full letter in an envelope, like Samples 1\u20135, is the safer choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-hitofude-izumo-washi.jpg\" alt=\"Izumo washi ippitsusen notepaper with vertical lines, 20 sheets\" class=\"wp-image-3362\" srcset=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-hitofude-izumo-washi.jpg 640w, https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-hitofude-izumo-washi-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Washinkobo&#8217;s ippitsusen is made from Izumo washi with vertical ruled lines (18 \u00d7 8 cm, 20 sheets). Slip a single sheet in with your gift, and an ordinary cover note becomes a heartfelt greeting. We also ship overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"swell-block-button -size-l is-style-btn_normal\" style=\"--the-fz:1.2em\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washi-shop.com\/ca1\/21\/?utm_source=washi-iyashi&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_campaign=hp_to_shop&#038;utm_content=oseibo-thank-you-letter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"swell-block-button__link\"><span>See Izumo Washi Ippitsusen (Washinkobo Online Shop)<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oseibo Letters: Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need to send a return gift?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Oseibo is itself a gift of thanks, so a return gift is not expected \u2014 a thank-you letter is enough. If you would still like to send something back, choose an item worth about half to the same value of what you received, and label it \u300c\u5fa1\u6b73\u66ae\u300d (oseibo) if it is still the year&#8217;s end, or \u300c\u5fa1\u5e74\u8cc0\u300d \/ \u300c\u5bd2\u4e2d\u5fa1\u898b\u821e\u300d after the New Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is an email or phone call enough?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For people you are close to, a call or message conveys your thanks just fine. For superiors and business partners, a handwritten letter is more polite. If you want to respond quickly, let them know by phone or email that the gift has arrived, then follow up with a letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a sample thank-you email (Sample 12). Put the purpose in the subject line so it isn&#8217;t overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border -border04 wp-block-paragraph\">\u4ef6\u540d\uff1a\u304a\u6b73\u66ae\u306e\u5fa1\u793c<br>\u25cb\u25cb\u682a\u5f0f\u4f1a\u793e\u3000\u25cb\u25cb\u90e8\u3000\u25cb\u25cb\u69d8<br>\u3044\u3064\u3082\u5927\u5909\u304a\u4e16\u8a71\u306b\u306a\u3063\u3066\u304a\u308a\u307e\u3059\u3002\u25b3\u25b3\u682a\u5f0f\u4f1a\u793e\u306e\u25b3\u25b3\u3067\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u672c\u65e5\u3001\u7d50\u69cb\u306a\u304a\u6b73\u66ae\u306e\u54c1\u3092\u62dd\u53d7\u3044\u305f\u3057\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u3044\u3064\u3082\u306a\u304c\u3089\u306e\u304a\u5fc3\u9063\u3044\u306b\u3001\u5fc3\u3088\u308a\u5fa1\u793c\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002\u90e8\u7f72\u306e\u7686\u3067\u3001\u3042\u308a\u304c\u305f\u304f\u9802\u6234\u3044\u305f\u3057\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u672c\u5e74\u3082\u683c\u5225\u306e\u304a\u5f15\u304d\u7acb\u3066\u3092\u3044\u305f\u3060\u304d\u3001\u8aa0\u306b\u3042\u308a\u304c\u3068\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3057\u305f\u3002\u6765\u5e74\u3082\u5909\u308f\u3089\u306c\u304a\u4ed8\u304d\u5408\u3044\u306e\u307b\u3069\u3001\u3088\u308d\u3057\u304f\u304a\u9858\u3044\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002<br>\u307e\u305a\u306f\u30e1\u30fc\u30eb\u306b\u3066\u3001\u53d6\u308a\u6025\u304e\u5fa1\u793c\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In English:<\/em> Subject: Thank you for your year-end gift. To [name], [department], [company]. Thank you as always for your support. This is [name] of [company]. We received your splendid year-end gift today. We are sincerely grateful for your continued kindness, and everyone in our department will enjoy it. Thank you very much for your exceptional support this year, and we look forward to working with you in the coming year. Please accept this quick email of thanks for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A gift arrived addressed to my husband. How do I write the thank-you letter?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Japan, it is customary to sign with your husband&#8217;s name and add the small character \u300c\u5185\u300d (<em>uchi<\/em>, meaning &#8220;written by his wife&#8221;) just below and to the left of it. Adding the line \u300c\u4e3b\u4eba\u306b\u4ee3\u308f\u308a\u307e\u3057\u3066\u5fa1\u793c\u7533\u3057\u4e0a\u3052\u307e\u3059\u300d (&#8220;I am writing to thank you on my husband&#8217;s behalf&#8221;) makes it even more polite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I send or acknowledge oseibo while in mourning?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Oseibo is not a celebration, so it is fine to send one or write a thank-you letter even if you or the recipient are in mourning. However, avoid the red-and-white <em>mizuhiki<\/em> cord and use plain white paper or a plain label instead, and leave out celebratory words such as &#8220;congratulations&#8221; in your letter. If the 49 days after the death have not yet passed, it is better to wait and send it after the New Year as a \u300c\u5bd2\u4e2d\u5fa1\u898b\u821e\u300d (midwinter greeting).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Izumo Washi Writing Paper for Your Thank-You Letters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An oseibo thank-you letter is the last letter of the year. That&#8217;s exactly why a little care with the paper \u2014 not just the words \u2014 makes it memorable for the person who receives it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Washi feels soft in the hand, and a pen or brush glides across it in a way Western paper doesn&#8217;t. Washinkobo&#8217;s writing paper is Izumo washi, made in Shimane Prefecture. Choose from ruled or plain sheets made of <em>mitsumata<\/em>, or <em>gampi<\/em> paper that resists feathering even with a fountain pen \u2014 whichever suits your recipient and your writing tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-binsen-izumo-washi.jpg\" alt=\"Izumo washi writing paper made of mitsumata\" class=\"wp-image-3363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-binsen-izumo-washi.jpg 640w, https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oseibo-binsen-izumo-washi-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"swell-block-button -size-l is-style-btn_normal\" style=\"--the-fz:1.2em\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washi-shop.com\/ca1\/?utm_source=washi-iyashi&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_campaign=hp_to_shop&#038;utm_content=oseibo-thank-you-letter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"swell-block-button__link\"><span>See All Izumo Washi Writing Paper (Washinkobo Online Shop)<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You Might Also Enjoy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/en\/teacher-thank-you-letter-stationery\/\">Writing a Thank-You Letter to Your Teacher: The Right Paper Makes Your Feelings Count<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/en\/uses_of_gampi_paper\/\">6 Uses of Ganpi Paper: Calligraphy, Printmaking, Goshuin Books and More<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/en\/makigami\/\">Izumo Washi Roll Paper (Makigami) for Greetings and Gifts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year, try a letter that follows the pattern, plus one line in your own words. Your usual year-end exchange may become something a little more special.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is oseibo, Japan&#8217;s year-end gift, and how do you thank someone for it? Learn the structure of Japanese thank-you letters and cover letters, with 12 sample letters in Japanese and English.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3362,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"swell_btn_cv_data":"","_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/?p=3364","footnotes":""},"categories":[9,7],"tags":[248,30,94,35,92,56,28,26],"class_list":["post-3375","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-9","category-7","tag-248","tag-30","tag-94","tag-35","tag-92","tag-56","tag-28","tag-26","en-US"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3375","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3375"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3375\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3391,"href":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3375\/revisions\/3391"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3362"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3375"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3375"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/washi-iyashi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3375"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}