What Is the Secret Folder Passed Around Japanese Offices in March? (The “Shikishi” Culture)

The Month of Goodbyes
As we learned before, March is the end of the fiscal year in Japan, meaning it is the season of graduations, company transfers, and farewell parties. During this emotional month, you will notice a highly secretive operation happening inside Japanese offices and schools.

The Tearful Presentation
Finally, at the farewell party (Soubetsukai), the organizer presents the completed Shikishi along with a bouquet of flowers to the departing colleague. It is a deeply personal, handwritten souvenir of their time with the team, and it almost always brings tears to their eyes.

The Season of Goodbyes and New Beginnings (Related Articles)
Passing around a Shikishi is just one part of the emotional rollercoaster of spring. In Japan, the transition from March to April is filled with chaotic goodbyes and massive outdoor parties!

1. The March Madness Why are there so many farewell parties in the first place? Because in Japan, April 1st is the “Real Start” of the year. This makes March the chaotic “End of the Fiscal Year,” filled with moving panic, tearful goodbyes, and massive sales!
👉 Why is everyone moving? Check out: “Why Is Japan So Busy and Emotional in March? (The ‘Fiscal Year’ Frenzy)”

Why Is Japan So Busy and Emotional in March? (The “Fiscal Year” Frenzy)

2. The Pink Afterparty After surviving the stressful goodbyes of March, Japanese people celebrate their new jobs and schools in April with “Hanami” (Cherry Blossom Viewing). But it is not just a quiet nature walk; it is actually a massive national outdoor drinking party under the pink petals!
👉 What are the blue sheets on the ground for? Check out: “Why Is ‘Hanami’ (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Actually a Huge Outdoor Drinking Party?”

Why Is “Hanami” (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Actually a Huge Outdoor Drinking Party?

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