Last Updated on January 3, 2024 by Vlad
As the calendar turns to a new page, Japan’s unique customs come to life during the Japanese New Year, known as Shogatsu. This period isn’t just about marking a date; it’s a time for family reunions, special foods with symbolic meanings, and time-honoured spiritual practices. From welcoming the first sunrise to enjoying the traditional Osechi Ryori meals, discover the essential elements that make Shogatsu a truly exceptional time of the year in Japan.
Key Takeaways
- Shogatsu, the Japanese New Year’s Eve, is rich with cultural traditions including the Susuharai cleaning ritual, placing Kadomatsu and Shimekazari decorations, and preparing special foods like Osechi Ryori and Toshikoshi Soba to symbolize good luck and longevity.
- Exchange of Nengajo greeting cards and Otoshidama monetary gifts plays a vital role in strengthening relationships and expressing gratitude, while Hatsumode shrine visits and Joya no Kane temple bell ringing reflect the spiritual aspect of the holiday.
- The practice of Hatsuhinode, watching the first sunrise of the New Year, embodies hope and renewal, and the Fukubukuro ‘fortune bags’ tradition offers an exciting shopping experience symbolizing good fortune for the upcoming year.
Welcoming Shogatsu: Japanese New Year’s Eve
The magic of Shogatsu begins on the eve of the New Year. It is a time of family gatherings and festive preparations, setting the stage for the dawn of a fresh start. As the old year gives way to the new, Japanese households are abuzz with the spirit of unity, anticipation, and hope. With a blend of ancient rituals and modern customs, this special time is a true reflection of Japan’s rich cultural tapestry.
As New Year’s Eve draws near, a multitude of symbolic activities set the stage for the New Year’s holiday. Japanese families engage in meticulous preparations to bid farewell to the past year and welcome the new with open hearts. From thoroughly cleaning homes to setting up festive decorations, each ritual holds a special significance in the New Year’s celebration.
Susuharai: The Art of Cleaning
In anticipation of Shogatsu, the distinctive custom of Susuharai is observed, the traditional end-of-year cleaning ritual. The ritual is not merely about physical cleanliness; it symbolizes the act of purging the past year’s impurities and negativity, thus purifying the home for the arrival of the New Year. This belief, deeply entrenched in tradition, hinges on the notion that a purified home repels ill-intentioned spirits while attracting benevolent ones to bestow blessings and prosperity.
In today’s Japan, Susuharai has transitioned into the annual cleaning tradition of ōsōji. This adaptation of the ancient practice has become an integral part of New Year preparations. The transformation from a court ceremony during the Heian period to a nationwide tradition today illustrates the enduring relevance of these customs in Japanese society.
Festive Decorations: Kadomatsu and Shimekazari
With New Year’s Eve on the horizon, Japanese homes become a canvas for traditional year decorations like Kadomatsu and Shimekazari. These are not just ornamental embellishments; they carry profound symbolism and are an integral part of the Shogatsu celebration.
Kadomatsu, a pair of bamboo and pine arrangements, is placed at the entrance of homes. This decoration serves as a temporary dwelling for the gods, believed to bring blessings and good fortune for the year ahead. After the 15th of January, Kadomatsu is ceremonially burned, symbolizing the return of the gods to their spiritual domain and marking the end of the New Year’s holiday.
Traditional Japanese New Year Foods
Indulging in a feast is a cornerstone of the Shogatsu celebration. During the New Year celebrations, families gather around the table to savor a variety of traditional foods, each carrying a special meaning. These culinary delights, also known as the year’s food, are not just a treat for the palate; they symbolize wishes for good fortune, health, and prosperity in the upcoming year.
Every dish, from the elaborate Osechi Ryori to the unpretentious yet meaningful Toshikoshi Soba, is a flavorful fusion of tradition and taste. These traditional new year’s food, prepared with great care and attention to detail, form an important part of the New Year celebrations, binding families together in a shared culinary experience.
Osechi Ryori: A Feast for Good Fortune
Typically served in a distinct multi-tiered bento box, Osechi Ryori is a staple of traditional Japanese New Year cuisine. Dating back to the Nara period, Osechi Ryori consists of a variety of dishes, each carrying a symbolic significance for the upcoming year. Some examples of dishes in Osechi Ryori include:
- Datemaki (sweet rolled omelet) symbolizing auspicious days
- Kuromame (black soybeans) representing good health
- Kazunoko (herring roe) symbolizing fertility and a prosperous family
- Tazukuri (candied sardines) representing a bountiful harvest
- Kamaboko (fish cake) symbolizing the rising sun
Every item in the Osechi Ryori is a testament to Japan’s rich culinary heritage.
These days, families will often source Osechiryori from department stores or restaurants rather than making everything from scratch at home. Prepared beforehand, it allows households to commence the year without the need for culinary activities, aligning with the tradition of refraining from cooking during the initial three days of the New Year.
Toshikoshi Soba: Noodles for Longevity
The cherished New Year’s Eve tradition of Toshikoshi Soba revolves around a humble bowl of buckwheat noodles. Consumed just before midnight, these noodles symbolise longevity and resilience, providing a savoury farewell to the past year.
The practice of eating Toshikoshi Soba is not just about enjoying a warm, comforting bowl of noodles. It signifies the transition from the old year to the new, with each slurp embodying a wish for a long and healthy life.
Kagami Mochi: A Sweet Symbol of Continuity
Kagami Mochi is yet another key component of the Shogatsu feast. This decorative rice cake, traditionally placed on the family altar, represents continuity and longevity. The mochi is carefully crafted at home and adorned with an orange and a fan, embodying the family’s hopes and prayers for the New Year.
The distinct shape of Kagami Mochi, with two round mochi cakes stacked on top of each other, symbolizes the passing of one year to the next. On January 11th, the mochi is broken apart and consumed, marking another important ritual in the Japanese New Year celebrations.
Exchanging Greetings and Gifts: Nengajo and Otoshidama
Beyond the feasting and festivities, the Japanese New Year is also a period for expressing gratitude and sharing joy with those dear to us. The dual customs of exchanging Nengajo – traditional New Year’s cards, and gifting Otoshidama – monetary presents for children, encapsulate this spirit of reciprocity.
These gestures of goodwill, deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, serve to strengthen bonds and spread happiness. Whether it’s a heartfelt message on a Nengajo card or a thoughtful Otoshidama gift, each tradition adds to the warmth and joy of the Shogatsu celebration.
Nengajo: New Year Wishes in Writing
The Heian period marks the origin of the tradition of sending Nengajo cards. Much like the Western custom of sending Christmas cards, Nengajo are New Year’s greeting cards that convey gratitude and well-wishes for the coming year. The cards often feature the zodiac animal of the upcoming year, along with traditional Japanese motifs, making each card a unique piece of art.
Nengajo are not merely cards; they are a heartfelt expression of appreciation and hope. This time-honored tradition allows families and friends to stay connected, no matter the distance, and share their aspirations for the New Year.
Otoshidama: Rewarding Children’s Efforts
Otoshidama, a beloved tradition where children are bestowed monetary gifts by their elder relatives, is another New Year custom. This tradition, believed to have originated from the Edo period, is not just about giving money. It symbolizes good fortune and serves as a reward for the children’s efforts in school.
The amount given as Otoshidama varies, often determined by the child’s age and the family’s financial status. But regardless of the amount, the joy of receiving Otoshidama and the lessons of gratitude and responsibility it imparts are invaluable.
Spiritual Observances: Hatsumode and Joya no Kane
The Japanese New Year celebration extends beyond feasting and gift-exchange; it’s also a period for spiritual introspection and prayer. Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, and Joya no Kane, the ringing of temple bells, are two observances that highlight this spiritual aspect.
These traditions, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, are some of the many Japanese new year traditions that provide a moment of tranquility amid the festive celebrations. They offer an opportunity for individuals to express gratitude for the past year and pray for a prosperous and healthy year ahead, following the year traditions.
Hatsumode: First Shrine Visit of the Year
Hatsumode, denoting the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year, holds significant importance in Japan. During this visit, individuals pray for prosperity, safety, and good health for the upcoming year. Whether it’s the bustling Meiji Shrine in Tokyo or the serene Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, the atmosphere is charged with an air of anticipation and hope.
The ritual of Hatsumode is more than just a visit to a shrine. It is a spiritual journey, a time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. Amid the clanging of bells and the wafting scent of incense, individuals find a moment of peace and clarity, as they welcome the New Year with open hearts.
Joya no Kane: Ringing Away Earthly Desires
Joya no Kane, a spiritual ritual where temple bells chime 108 times at midnight, is another observance. If you’ve ever seen TV footage of New Year Celebrations from Japan, you would most likely have seen Joya no Kane footage.
Each ring symbolises the purification of one of the 108 worldly passions, according to Buddhist belief. The ringing of the bell is not just a countdown to the New Year; it is a symbolic act of cleansing and purification, a spiritual preparation for the year ahead.
Originating in the Song dynasty in China and adopted by Japanese Zen temples in the Kamakura period, Joya no Kane is a time-honored tradition that connects individuals with their spiritual selves. Amid the resonating sounds of the bell, individuals let go of the past year’s regrets and welcome the New Year with a rejuvenated spirit and renewed resolve.
Embracing the First Sunrise: Hatsuhinode
As the New Year greets the day, Japanese people congregate to witness Hatsuhinode, the year’s inaugural sunrise. This moment, steeped in symbolism and beauty, is a sight to behold. Against the backdrop of the rising sun, individuals offer prayers and make wishes for the year ahead, signaling a fresh start filled with endless possibilities.
Whether it’s the panoramic view from Tokyo Tower or the serene beauty of Mount Fuji, witnessing the Hatsuhinode is a magical experience. As the golden hues of the sunrise illuminate the sky, the spirit of optimism and hope that marks the Japanese New Year comes alive.
Shopping for Luck: Fukubukuro
The Japanese New Year celebration ushers in Fukubukuro, or ‘fortune bags’, a distinct shopping tradition. Sold at a fixed price, these bags contain a variety of merchandise, often worth more than the price paid. Fukubukuro offers an exciting shopping experience and a chance to start the New Year with a bit of good fortune. Some examples of items you might find in a Fukubukuro bag include:
- Fashion items such as clothing, shoes, and accessories
- Cosmetics and beauty products
- Electronics and gadgets
- Home goods and kitchenware
So if you’re in Japan during the New Year season, definitely try check out the Fukubukuro sales and see what surprises await you on your visit!
This tradition, which originated from the Ginza Matsuya Department Store during the late Meiji era, has now become a popular staple among retailers across Japan. The thrill of discovering what’s inside the fortune bag adds to the festive spirit and makes the Shogatsu celebrations all the more exciting.
Short Summary
From the meticulous preparations leading up to New Year’s Eve to the first sunrise of the year, each aspect of Shogatsu is a celebration of life, gratitude, and hope. The Japanese New Year is not just about welcoming a new calendar year; it’s a spiritual journey, a cultural experience, and a celebration of community and togetherness. As the bells chime at midnight, marking the dawn of a new year, it is a time to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future with hope and optimism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Japanese New Year called?
Japanese New Year is called Shogatsu or Oshogatsu (polite form), and is by far the most important holiday in Japan. It has been celebrated on January 1st since 1873, during the early years of Meiji Period (driven by Western influence).
Is Japanese New Year the same as Chinese?
No, Japanese New Year occurs on January 1st based on the Gregorian calendar, while Chinese New Year falls between late January and mid-February based on the lunar calendar.
What is the significance of food in the Japanese New Year celebration?
Food holds great significance in the Japanese New Year celebration, with traditional dishes symbolizing good fortune, health, and prosperity for the upcoming year.