日本の手紙

拝啓
寒さひとしお身にしみる今日このごろ。
いかがお過ごしていらしゃいますか？

 

After having a conversation with a friend, I decided to look into the writing of Japanese letters. The idea seems to be surrounding the actual contents of the letter with filler sentences, particularly about health or the seasons and weather. The dating system for formal letters is also different from the American calendar. The years correspond to years of reign of the emperor of Japan.

Here is an example: In this episode of 天体戦士サンレッド Sunred receives a letter at 5:00, featuring a comedic juxtaposition of pleasant scenery and bellicose duel seeking.

Thankfully, for people learning Japanese and even Japanese people themselves, there are websites that can help you poetically describe the weather and offer your concerns about the recipient's well-being： http://www.midori-japan.co.jp/letter/tegamichishiki/198

ご多忙の折ではございますが、風など召されませぬようご自愛ください。
敬具
平成２５年１２月２日
                                                                              イングリッド・イエン