Japanese New Year, or Oshogatsu (お正月), is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in Japan. Rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, it marks a period of renewal, gratitude, and aspirations for the coming year. The holiday is rich with customs, each reflecting Japan's cultural heritage and its reverence for family, community, and nature.
Preparing for the New Year: Cleaning and Decoration
The preparations for the Japanese New Year begin in late December with a custom called Osoji (大掃除), or "big cleaning." Families thoroughly clean their homes, workplaces, and even schools. This practice symbolizes purification, driving out any bad luck or negativity from the past year to make way for fresh opportunities and blessings.
Once the cleaning is complete, homes are adorned with traditional decorations. These often include:
Kadomatsu (門松): A decorative arrangement of pine, bamboo, and plum branches, placed at the entrance to welcome Toshigami-sama, the deity of the New Year.
Shimenawa (しめ縄): A rope made of straw, hung on doors to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune.
Kagami Mochi (鏡餅): Two stacked rice cakes with a citrus fruit on top, symbolizing prosperity and the continuity of generations.
New Year’s Eve: Joya no Kane and Toshikoshi Soba
On New Year’s Eve, families and friends gather to reflect on the past year and prepare for the new one. Many people visit Buddhist temples to hear the Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘), or "bells of the passing night." At midnight, temple bells are rung 108 times to represent the 108 earthly desires in Buddhism, which are believed to cause suffering. This ritual serves to cleanse individuals of these desires, allowing them to start the New Year with a pure heart.
Another cherished tradition is eating Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば), a simple noodle dish symbolizing longevity and resilience. The long, thin noodles are a metaphor for a long and healthy life, while their ease of cutting reflects the hope of leaving behind any hardships.
New Year’s Day: Hatsumode and Osechi Ryori
The first day of the New Year is a time for family and prayer. Many Japanese people participate in Hatsumode (初詣), the first shrine or temple visit of the year. At shrines, visitors offer coins, ring bells, and pray for health, happiness, and success in the year ahead. Omikuji (fortune slips) are also drawn to reveal one’s luck, and charms for good fortune, called omamori, are purchased.
A traditional New Year meal, Osechi Ryori (おせち料理), is shared among family members. Osechi consists of an array of beautifully arranged dishes, each with symbolic meanings. Examples include:
Kuromame (black soybeans): Representing hard work and good health.
Kazunoko (herring roe): Symbolizing fertility.
Tazukuri (candied sardines): Signifying abundant harvests.
Datemaki (rolled sweet omelette): Associated with academic and professional success.
These dishes are typically prepared in advance and stored in special lacquered boxes, allowing families to relax together during the holiday.
Sending New Year’s Greetings: Nengajo
A charming tradition during this season is the exchange of Nengajo (年賀状), or New Year’s postcards. Friends, colleagues, and relatives send these cards to convey well-wishes for the coming year. Postcards often feature the Chinese zodiac animal of the year or phrases like "Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu" (Happy New Year). Postal services ensure that all cards are delivered precisely on January 1, underscoring the importance of punctuality in Japanese culture.
Games and Entertainment: Traditional and Modern
Oshogatsu is also a time for enjoying traditional games and pastimes. Activities like karuta (a card game), hanetsuki (a badminton-like game), and fukuwarai (similar to pin the tail on the donkey) are popular among families. Meanwhile, many people watch special New Year’s television programs, such as Kohaku Uta Gassen, a music competition featuring Japan’s top artists.
Japanese New Year traditions beautifully blend spirituality, community, and joy. Whether it’s through heartfelt prayers at a shrine, the symbolic preparation of osechi ryori, or the exchange of nengajo, these customs reflect a deep-rooted appreciation for renewal and togetherness. For anyone fortunate enough to experience Oshogatsu, it’s a celebration that offers not only festive cheer but also profound cultural insight.
Bibliographical References
Nelson, John K. Enduring Identities: The Guise of Shinto in Contemporary Japan. University of Hawaii Press, 2000. ISBN: 9780824821285.
Holtom, Daniel Clarence. The Japanese New Year’s Festival, Games and Pastimes. Routledge, 2012. ISBN: 9780415512998.
Ashkenazi, Michael. Handbook of Japanese Mythology. ABC-CLIO, 2003. ISBN: 9781576074671.