"Goyo-hajime" or "Work-Start Day" signifies the resumption of work for government offices and many companies at the beginning of the new year. The term "Goyo-hajime" is derived from the term "Goyo", which referred to public duties or official business during the Edo period. On the other hand, "Work-Start Day" generally refers to the commencement of business in the new year.
On this day, ceremonies and greetings are conducted in various departments and workplaces, reviewing the past year and discussing new year's resolutions. Important topics such as disaster preparedness and new projects are also addressed.
The term "Goyo" in Japanese refers to public duties or official business and was used especially in the Edo period for offices of the shogunate, clans, and the court. The prefix "Go" signifies respect and politeness, while "Yo" means work or duties. Therefore, "Goyo" means "respected duties" or "important business".
In the Edo period, there was also the profession of "Goyokiki", who were responsible for listening to and addressing the requests and issues of residents at the magistrate's office. They played an important role in communicating the needs and problems of the townspeople to the authorities for resolution.
Thus, the term "Goyo" has a historical background and is used to refer to public duties or important business that continues to be inherited in modern times.
