Translation guide
A celebration of the harvest, often with religious or cultural traditions. In Japanese contexts, this can refer to autumn festivals (秋祭り), specific Shinto harvest rituals, or modern events like harvest-themed parties.
Referring to a traditional autumn festival celebrating the harvest, often at Shinto shrines.
General term for autumn festivals, many of which are harvest-related. Commonly used for local shrine festivals.
この村の秋祭りは毎年十月に行われます。
This village's autumn festival is held every October.
Direct translation of 'harvest festival'. Used for both traditional and modern events, but can sound slightly formal or literal.
収穫祭では、地元の野菜や果物が振る舞われます。
At the harvest festival, local vegetables and fruits are served.
A specific Shinto harvest ritual performed by the Emperor, offering newly harvested rice to the gods. Very formal and traditional.
新嘗祭は宮中で行われる重要な儀式です。
The Niiname-sai is an important ceremony held at the Imperial Palace.
Referring to a harvest-themed event, often with food, music, and community activities, not necessarily religious.
Also used for modern harvest festivals, like those at schools or community centers.
学校の収穫祭で、生徒たちが育てた野菜を販売しました。
At the school harvest festival, students sold vegetables they grew.
Loanword from English, used for Western-style events or in names of specific festivals.
今年のハーベストフェスティバルには、たくさんの屋台が出ます。
There will be many stalls at this year's harvest festival.
Referring specifically to the North American holiday of Thanksgiving, which has harvest festival origins.
Standard translation for Thanksgiving. While not a harvest festival per se, it is often associated with harvest themes.
感謝祭には七面鳥を食べる習慣があります。
There is a custom of eating turkey on Thanksgiving.
秋祭り is a broader term for autumn festivals, which often include harvest celebrations but also other elements like parades and mikoshi. 収穫祭 specifically emphasizes the harvest aspect and can be used for both traditional and modern events.
新嘗祭 is a very specific imperial ritual. Avoid using it for general harvest festivals unless you are referring to this exact ceremony.