What is Ganjitsu(元日)/Oshougatsu(お正月)?
January 1st in Japan is called Ganjitsu（元日）or Oshogatsu (お正月), and the morning of January 1st is called Gantan（元旦）. In Japan, New Year’s day is one of the most important and cherished holidays of the year. More than just the start of a new calendar year, it’s a time to reflect, spend time with family, and welcome new beginnings with hopes for health and happiness. From traditional decorations like kadomatsu and shimekazari, to symbolic dishes in osechi ryori, and customs like hatsumode (first shrine visit) and sending nengajo (New Year’s cards), Japan’s New Year is rich in unique cultural practices. In this article, we’ll explore how Japan celebrates Oshogatsu—its history, customs, and how traditions have evolved in modern times.
The New Year is a time for fresh starts, resolutions, and celebrations around the globe. In Japan, the New Year celebration—known as Oshogatsu (お正月)—offers a deeply cultural and spiritual experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Far more than just a single day, it's a period of reflection, cleansing, and preparation for the year ahead, marked by specific customs, traditions, and delicious food.
Why is Ganjitsu(元日)/Oshougatsu(お正月) Important?
Oshogatsu isn't just a party; it's a period steeped in religious and historical significance. It's a time to:
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Honor Ancestors: Pay respects to deceased family members and seek their blessings for the upcoming year.
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Cleanse the Past: Symbolically wash away the bad luck and negativity of the previous year to welcome good fortune.
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Strengthen Family Bonds: Spend quality time with loved ones, reaffirming connections and creating lasting memories.
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Welcome Toshigami: The deity of the new year, believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
Ganjitsu(元日)/Oshougatsu(お正月) Traditions and Customs:
From elaborate decorations to thoughtful rituals, here are some essential aspects of a traditional Japanese New Year: https://www.group-shinka.com/culture/koshogatsu-little-new-year
- Oosouji (大掃除): The Big Cleaning
Before the new year arrives, homes are thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom, ridding them of dust and bad energy. - Shimekazari (注連飾り): Sacred Rope Decoration
These intricate rope decorations are hung above doorways to ward off evil spirits and welcome Toshigami. They often include pine, bamboo, and bitter orange. - Kadomatsu (門松): Pine and Bamboo Decorations
Placed in pairs at the entrance of homes and businesses, Kadomatsu symbolize longevity and prosperity. - Otoshidama (お年玉): New Year Money
Similar to Christmas gifts, adults give children money in decorated envelopes called pochibukuro (ポチ袋). - Joyanokane (除夜の鐘): Temple Bells
On New Year's Eve, Buddhist temples across Japan ring their bells 108 times, representing the 108 earthly desires and sins that must be cleansed. - Hatsumode (初詣): First Shrine Visit
The first shrine visit of the year is a crucial tradition. People pray for good health, happiness, and success in the coming year. - Nengajo (年賀状): New Year's Cards
Similar to Christmas cards, Nengajo are sent to friends, family, and colleagues to wish them a happy new year. Sending them before the deadline ensures they arrive on January 1st.
What to eat during Ganjitsu(元日)/Oshougatsu(お正月): A Culinary Journey
Food is central to Oshogatsu (お正月) celebrations in Japan, not just for enjoyment but for the symbolism embedded in each dish. From elaborately prepared feasts to simple comforting soups, every bite during the New Year carries a wish for health, happiness, and prosperity.
Osechi Ryori (おせち料理): The Traditional New Year Feast
Osechi Ryori is the heart of the Japanese New Year table—a beautiful, multi-tiered bento box (jubako) filled with colorful dishes. Each item holds symbolic meaning, often related to good fortune, health, or success. Osechi is typically prepared before the new year to allow families to rest and avoid cooking during the holiday.
Some common Osechi dishes include:
- Kuromame (黒豆) – Sweet black soybeans representing health and diligence.
- Kazunoko (数の子) – Herring roe symbolizing fertility and the prosperity of descendants.
- Datemaki (伊達巻) – Sweet rolled omelet associated with knowledge and academic success.
- Kurikinton (栗きんとん) – Sweet mashed chestnuts and sweet potatoes, signifying economic fortune (golden color = money).
- Tazukuri (田作り) – Small dried sardines glazed in soy sauce, symbolizing a good harvest.
Each region and family may have their own variation of Osechi, making it a deeply personal and cultural culinary tradition.
Zoni (雑煮): The New Year’s Mochi Soup
Zoni is a warm, comforting soup featuring mochi (rice cakes), vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood. It is typically served on New Year’s Day and varies widely by region:
- Eastern Japan (Kanto) often features a soy sauce–based clear broth with rectangular grilled mochi.
- Western Japan (Kansai) favors a white miso–based soup with round boiled mochi.
Zoni is believed to bring good health and strength, with mochi symbolizing longevity and resilience.
Toshikoshi Soba (年越し蕎麦): Year-Crossing Noodles
Eaten on New Year's Eve (Ōmisoka), Toshikoshi Soba represents letting go of the hardships of the past year and welcoming a long life. The long, thin buckwheat noodles symbolize longevity, while their ease of cutting suggests releasing bad luck from the previous year.
Some people opt for udon or other regional variations, but soba remains the most traditional choice.
Festive Celebrations
New Year’s Eve in Japan, known as Omisoka, is a time for families to come together and prepare for the year ahead. Many people clean their homes thoroughly, a practice known as Osoji, to welcome the New Year with a fresh start. As midnight approaches, the sound of Joya no Kane (temple bells) fills the air, rung 108 times to cleanse the 108 worldly desires in Buddhism. Lunar New Year https://www.group-shinka.com/culture/japanese-lunar-new-year
On New Year’s Day, people often enjoy a leisurely morning with family, exchanging Nengajo (New Year cards) and Otoshidama (money gifts for children). The day is filled with joy and gratitude, as families reflect on the past year and set intentions for the future.
Experiencing Ganjitsu(元日)/Oshougatsu(お正月): Tips for Travelers
If you're planning to visit Japan during Oshogatsu, keep these points in mind:
- Plan Ahead: Book flights and accommodations well in advance, as this is a peak travel season.
- Expect Closures: Many businesses and restaurants are closed from January 1st to 3rd. Confirm opening hours before visiting.
- Embrace the Culture: Particip
Summary
Oshogatsu is a captivating blend of tradition, spirituality, and family celebration. By understanding and appreciating its rich customs, you can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and even find inspiration to start your own new year with intention and purpose. Whether you're celebrating at home or planning a trip to Japan, Oshogatsu offers a unique and memorable experience.
Happy New Year! (Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! あけましておめでとうございます!)
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