A Deep Dive into Japanese New Year: Traditions, Eats, and Festive Fun

In the Land of the Rising Sun, as the final chimes of December fade and nature lifts a crisp January dawn, Japan wakes to a spectacle of tradition unlike any other. This is not merely the turning of a page on a calendar; it’s Shōgatsu, the Japanese New Year! A vibrant time filled with ancient customs, family reunions, and culinary delights that resonate in the very soul of the nation.

From the meticulous “Ōsōuji” cleansing, casting away ghosts of the past, to Hatsumode Temple visits for future blessings, the Japanese New Year feels like a fresh start. Homes adorned with the green, leafy “Kadomatsu” and “Shimenawa” become beacons of good fortune, while the air hums with the hopes whispered on Ema (wooden plaques for wishes) hanging at shrines.

The tempting smell of Toshikoshi Soba (buckwheat noodles), symbolising longevity, fills the air, leading to the grand feast of “Osechi Ryori,” a harmonious blend of flavours representing prosperity. Amid temple bells and children’s joyous laughter as they receive Otoshidama (lucky money), the spirit of Japan ignites, eager to paint the blank canvas of the new year with open hearts. Join us on this journey into the vibrant traditions of Japanese New Year, where ancient rituals meet modern celebrations, and every bite, prayer, and smile reflects the magic of new beginnings.

Preparing For A Fresh Start

Ōsōuji (Big Cleaning)

Forget the average spring clean; Ōsōuji, the Japanese “Big Cleaning,” is a whirlwind of tradition, symbolising the driving out of bad vibes and welcoming of good fortune. The tradition of Ōsōuji originates from a Shinto ritual “Susu-harai.” This ritual started in the Heian period, to clean away the soot and dirt inside the house as a gesture of respect to the Toshigami sama (a Shinto spirit traditionally associated with the start of the year) when welcoming the new year. In the Edo period, December 13th was designated as the day for Susu-harai. As a result, the culture of starting to clean one’s house spread, leading to the current big cleaning custom.

Imagine rubbing away negativity, throwing open windows for rushing in fresh air and luck, and polishing every corner into a gate for prosperity. This multi-day family affair mainly targets the removal of decluttering fads, employing simple tools like brooms and chopsticks to make good of clutter and clear both physical and mental space. However, it is advised to avoid cleaning on December 29th, December 31st, and January 1st.

December 29: The number “Niju-Ku” (二重 苦) is believed to lead to “double hardship.”

December 31: The 31st is considered a “one-night decoration,” bringing bad luck.

January 1: Believed to sweep away good fortune.

Each Ōsōuji rub becomes a wish, from cooking up success in the kitchen to polishing clarity into the windows. And of course, after rubbing your worries away, there’s waiting for you sweet reward of a delicious New Year’s feast. So grab your duster, strengthen your inner warrior against the dust, and embrace the transformative power of Ōsōuji – it’s more than just a clean house, it’s absolutely a fresh start for the soul. Read more about sacred New Year’s traditions here.

Kadomatsu and Shimenawa

Decorating Japanese homes during New Year’s are two fascinating symbols, Kadomatsu and Shimenawa, which means transforming doorways into portals of good fortune and protection. Imagine an eminent Kadomatsu, crafted from pine, bamboo, and plum branches, standing like a watch outside houses, their vibrant green and stark contrast against the winter chill. These aren’t just decorations but they represent longevity (pine), prosperity (bamboo), and renewal (plum), their very presence is known to invite blessings into the home.

Meanwhile, Shimenawa is made up of sacred straw ropes adorned with paper shield talismans that encircle doorways and gates. Think of them as invisible shields, deflecting evil spirits and misfortune with their simple elegance. They’re woven with rice straw, a symbol of agricultural rewards and divine connection.

The New Year decorations are markers to welcome the Toshigami-sama who visits homes during the New Year and role as a “Yorishiro,” a symbolic object for the god to reside. The Kadomatsu becomes a distinctive marker when the Toshigami-sama descends upon homes. The Shimekazari is a “barrier separating the divine realm and the human world.” By displaying Shimekazari, a sacred space is created, allowing the Toshigami-sama to descend with peace of mind and be welcomed. You can also check our blog about Kadomatsu and Shimenawa here!

Feasts and Festivities

Toshikoshi Soba

Trench the forks and embrace the slurp! Toshikoshi Soba, Japan’s New Year’s Eve noodle ritual, is more than just a midnight chew. These long, cold buckwheat strands symbolise longevity and are ways to sever ties with the past year with each slurp stretching out a year of smiles and good fortune. Forget midnight munching though – true soba eaters dig in well before the clock strikes, in order to avoid accidentally carrying bad luck into the following year!

While tradition favours buckwheat, regional colours show, from stir-fried Okinawa noodles to sweet potato soba in Kagoshima. This hearty tradition has its roots tracing back to Edo-era temples serving soba to the less fortunate. So, grab your chopsticks, join the tune of slurps, and relish a bowl of Toshikoshi Soba – which is a delicious flight to a lucky, long, and prosperous year. A secret to know is that some bowls hide a single extra-long noodle, promising the finder will have a double dose of good fortune.

Osechi Ryori

Japanese New Year brings an interesting treat of stacked woodware feast – Osechi Ryori, which unveils delicious surprises with each tier. Imagine these jubako boxes filled with colourful dishes, each bite telling stories of health (black beans), success (sweet chestnuts), and reminding us of past generations who perfected these treasures. This isn’t just food – it’s history on your plate or more of a conversation with good fortune across centuries.

From daikon simmered with kelp marinating in tradition, each region boasts its own Osechi traditions. Another sweet year-end tradition is Ozoni, a mochi-laden soup, that warms your soul and symbolises strength for the year ahead. So immerse yourself into the magic of Osechi – unbox these culinary surprises, savour ancient whispers in every bite, and toast to a year brimming with flavour, family, and endless possibilities.

Hatsumode

The very first shrine visit of the year, called “Hatsumode,” is a significant tradition in Japan. Temples and shrines across the country are teeming with worshippers offering prayers for good health, happiness, and success in the coming year. The atmosphere at this time of the year is vibrant, filled with the scent of incense and the clanging of bells.

Fukubukuro

Forget all the predictable sales–Japan’s New Year brings the thrilling Fukubukuro, mystery bags bursting with unknown loot! Clothes, gadgets, beauty finds, even food–these grab bags are blind bargains wrapped in pretty paper, flying off shelves faster than you can say “Happy New Year!”

But beware, not all Fukubukuro are created equal. Some are brimming with treasures, while others may hold only ten pairs of socks (hey, they’re lucky socks!). But the real magic lies in the leap of faith into the year ahead. Think of it as a blank canvas, ready to be painted with surprise and good fortune (and maybe even a new phone). Keep your eyes peeled for Fukubukuro with hidden discounts, promising adventures and much more in every unexpected package.

Fukubukuro are typically released during the New Year’s season from January 1st to 3rd. However, some stores may start displaying them as early as December 29th to 31st, especially if they have an extended closure during the holidays. Keep an eye out, as reservations for Fukubukuro might even open online in mid-December, so be sure to check before they run out.

Accept the chaos, grab a bag, and welcome the year with a sweet smile–you might just walk away with a wardrobe upgrade, a new trendy gadget, or even a hilarious story about those ten socks, but they all bring that happiness. Happy Fukubukuro-ing!

Beyond the Celebrations

Otoshidama

In Japan, where tradition, joy, and taste intertwine, lies a delightful custom that makes every child’s eyes light up with the sunlight on New Year’s Day – Otoshidama, the gift of lucky money! Imagine tiny cute envelopes, decorated with playful characters or auspicious symbols, tucked quietly under pillows or presented with warm and filling smiles by parents and grandparents.

Why not send adorable grandkids Otoshidama and be healed by their smiles? These aren’t just any gifts; they’re tokens of love, wishes for prosperity, and a chance for those little hands to hold a lovely piece of the New Year’s spirit.

Hatsuhinode

Witnessing the first sunrise of the year, Hatsuhinode, is a tradition full of breathtaking beauty that makes you leave all your worries away, filling you with adoring smiles at the first ray of sunlight. Imagine climbing Mount Fuji (or any scenic spot) with your loved ones, bundled up against the crisp air, taking in the predawn darkness. Then, as the first golden ray of light peeks over the horizon, painting the sky with a glowing warm colour, gasps turn to cheers. You’ve just welcomed Toshigami, and with it, a fresh start filled with good fortune.

Traditionally, whispered wishes to your friends add a touch of bright magic to the air. Whether you climb a mountain peak or watch from your rooftop, the magic of Hatsuhinode is a chance to embrace hope, renewal, and the promise of a year painted with powerful possibilities. So, get out of bed early and join the Hatsuhinode ritual–you might catch replenishing blessings, and a sunrise that sparks a year of wonders ahead.

Whether you’re lucky enough to be in Japan in the beginning of January, or simply want to add a touch of Japanese traditions to your own celebrations, there’s something for everyone. From preparing a simple New Year’s dish to visiting a local temple, embrace the brilliant spirits and welcome the new year with open arms.

I hope this has given you a glimpse into the magical Japanese New Year. So, raise a glass of sake (or green tea), enjoy the delicious food, and indulge yourself in the festive atmosphere. May your New Year be filled with endless smiles, joy, love, prosperity, and as much luck as you can find!

Featured Photo Credit: mrhayata

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