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.
Oshogatsu isn't just a party; it's a period steeped in religious and historical significance. It's a time to:
Honor Ancestors: Pay respects to deceased family members and seek their blessings for the upcoming year.
Cleanse the Past: Symbolically wash away the bad luck and negativity of the previous year to welcome good fortune.
Strengthen Family Bonds: Spend quality time with loved ones, reaffirming connections and creating lasting memories.
Welcome Toshigami: The deity of the new year, believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
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
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 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:
Each region and family may have their own variation of Osechi, making it a deeply personal and cultural culinary tradition.
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:
Zoni is believed to bring good health and strength, with mochi symbolizing longevity and resilience.
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.
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.
If you're planning to visit Japan during Oshogatsu, keep these points in mind:
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!)
If you'd like to enjoy Ganjitsu(元日)/Oshougatsu(お正月) in Japan, please feel free to contact us