The New Year period is an important time in Japan, rich in tradition. So whether you are experiencing your first New Year in Japan or have been here for years, here are some customs you are bound to encounter.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is called “Omisoka” in Japanese. Although there are many festive ways of ushering in the New Year, some of the more traditional ones are:
Eating “toshikoshi soba”
“Toshikoshi” means to see the old year out. “Toshikoshi soba” has become a popular meal for people on their way back from a late-night visit to a shrine on New Year’s Eve. The original idea of eating “toshikoshi soba” was to wish for a healthy long life.
Source: Wikipedia
Joya no kane
“Joya” means New Year’s Eve and “kane” means bell. A Buddhist ritual with a Shinto flavor, “Joya no kane” is the custom of ringing a shrine bell or gong 108 times from midnight to signify the changing year. The bell is struck by a large wooden hammer suspended by ropes. Why 108 times? There are various theories but the most common one is that man has 108 sins and that the tolling of the bells expunges the sins.
You can hear and experience “Joya no kane” at Gohyakurakan temple near Fudomae station, Tsukiji Hongan temple near Tsukiji station, and other temples.
Source: Wikipedia
Kohaku Uta Gassen
NHK’s popular New Year’s Eve music program will be held for the 62nd time this year, broadcast on both TV and radio. “Kohaku Uta Gassen” literally means red and white song contest. The program features teams of male singers (white) and females (red). Being invited to appear on the program is considered a prestigious honor. This year, 55 singers and groups will perform, including Arashi, AKB48, Saburo Kitajima, Sachiko Kobayashi and SMAP, as well as a special video appearance by American diva Lady Gaga.
Famous enka singer Sachiko Kobayashi
Source: Wikipedia, Official Kohaku Uta Gassen Website
Hatsumode
“Hatsumode” is the practice of going to a shrine or temple for the first time each year to pray for peace, good health and good fortune. Some of the bigger shrines attract millions of people during the Jan 1-3 period. Among the more popular ones are Meiji Shrine near JR Harajuku Station and Meijijingumae subway station, and Sensoji Temple near Asakusa subway station.
Source: Wikipedia
Osechi
“Osechi” is traditional Japanese New Year food prepared at home or by stores in advance of the holiday period. Stores sell “osechi” food in ornate boxes called “jyubako.” Each food item has a special meaning. For example, “datemaki,” which is a sweet rolled omelet mixed with fish paste or mashed shrimp, symbolizes a wish for many auspicious days. “Konbu,” which is a type of seaweed, is associated with the word “yorokobi” which means joy. “Kazunoko” (“kazu” means number and “ko” means child) is herring roe and symbolizes a wish to be blessed with children in the new year, and so on.
Source: Wikipedia
Otoshidama
“Otoshidama” is the custom of adults giving young children in their families monetary gifts.
Source: Wikipedia
Nengajo
“Nengajo” are New Year’s greeting cards which are sent to relatives, friends and business acquaintances. They are mainly delivered on New Year’s Day, but also for a week or so afterward. Of course, in this era of email, many people have started sending them online and via social network services such as mixi, though older people still prefer the traditional way.
Kadomatsu
“Kadomatsu” is a traditional Japanese New Year decoration made of pine and bamboo, which is placed at the entrance of a house or building. The meaning of “kadomatsu” is an object to welcome god.
Source: Wikipedia
So now you know what to expect at New Year.
