In the West, breathtaking fireworks and flashy countdowns are the means to welcome the new year. But in Japan, New Year’s is a spiritual occasion and a time for peace and quiet. With its stunning decorations, awe-inspiring ceremonies and delicious food, New Year’s in Japan is a completely unique experience.
The traditions and customs in Japan are numerous and can be very complex. This is no different during New Year’s. No need to worry though, because this guide will let you figure out how to celebrate New Year’s in Japan during your internship in no time!
In Japan, New Year’s is known as “お正月” (Oshōgatsu) and encompasses a lot more than just New Years’ Eve and New Year’s Day.
Traditions and Customs
New Year’s in Japan features a lot of decorating, which is meant to welcome the deity Toshigami (年神) who brings good fortune in the new year.
Kadomatsu (門松) are gate pillars made out of bamboo, pine, and plum tree branches. They serve as gates to guide Toshigami as it is said that deities tend to materialize in pine trees.
Another decoration is Kagamimochi (鏡餅), two mochi rice cakes put on top of each other with an orange on top, which resembles the shape of an ancient japanese bronze mirror. The Kagamimochi provides temporary housing for Toshigami as legends say that deities often reside in mirrors.
The writing of New Year’s greetings cards called Nengajō is also an essential tradition. If you want to know more about Nengajō you can check out this article.
On January 1st, children will receive a gift envelope with money, called Otoshidama (お年玉), which is similar to christmas presents.
Events
Leading up to the New Year’s celebrations, companies will have “Bōnenkai” (忘年会), literally “forget-the-year” parties where social ranks are left at the door and everyone gets the opportunity to speak their mind.
On New Year’s Eve, many families will turn on the TV and watch Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a popular show where the year’s most successful singers and performers are pit against each other.
Shortly before midnight, a buddhist ritual called Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘) takes place. During Joya no Kane the temple bell will be rung exactly 108 times in order to rid people of the 108 worldly desires stated in buddhist belief called Bonnō (煩悩).
The most important tradition on New Year’s, however, is Hatsumōde (初詣), the first shrine visit of the year. Millions of people will flock to the shrines and temples and get in their prayers. There, people will also buy lucky charms for the new year and hand in their old lucky charms so that they are burned.
Traditional Food
During New Year’s, you won’t find any traditional food that is not connected to wishes for a good life in the new year in some way.
Buckwheat noodles called Soba are the food of choice to ring in the new year as their long shape promises a long and healthy life. This dish is called Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば).
The typical cuisine on New Year’s is called Osechi Ryōri (おせち料理). It will be prepared or bought in advance as work should not be done on New Year’s. All foods in Osechi Ryōri are cooked in a fashion that makes them durable for a few days. This used to be important because refrigerators did not exist and cooking should not be done New Year’s.
The food is stored in beautifully designed, multi-layered lacquer boxes called Jubako (重箱) and is perfectly arranged. The foods in Osechi Ryōri are all rich in meaning. Some examples are Datemaki (伊達巻), an egg omelette rolled up like a scroll that symbolizes wisdom; Kuri-Kinton (栗きんとん), a gold colored chestnut mash that stands for wealth; and Ebi (海老) for a long life, as shrimps look like old men with their bent backs and whiskers resembling a long beard.
Also popular is Ōzoni, a soup with meat and vegetables. Its most important add-in, though, are mochi rice cakes. Similar to the Toshikoshi Soba, the mochi rice cakes also grant a long life, owing to their stretchiness.
Now that you know the ins and outs of how to celebrate New Year’s in Japan, why not experience it in person? With your newfound knowledge, you are sure to impress everyone and have a great start into the new year! Celebrating New Year’s in Japan while doing an Internship with Meiji Internships will be an unforgettable experience!
