What is Koshogatsu (小正月）?
Koshōgatsu (小正月) traditionally celebrated on January 15th, marks the first full moon of the lunar calendar. Unlike the major New Year festivities focused on fresh starts and resolutions, Koshōgatsu (小正月) emphasizes reflection, community rituals, and ancestral gratitude.
It’s also sometimes called “Women’s New Year” (女正月, Onna Shōgatsu) in certain regions, as it was historically a time when women—especially those responsible for preparing the main New Year’s meals—could finally rest and celebrate in their own right.While people pray for personal fortune and happiness on New Year's, Koshōgatsu (小正月) celebrations were - and still are - all about a bountiful harvest for the upcoming year. In the center of the celebration stands the Shinto kami (deity) Toshigami, referring to a kami that visits during the New Year's holidays.
Their appearance promises a good harvest throughout the year and to honor these kami, Japanese families build special altars in their homes. Those are then often decorated with “shimekazari,” （しめ飾り） purifying laid rice straw ropes, as well as mochi in the shape of a mirror called “kagamimochi,” （鏡餅）in addition to sake, and salt.
On the morning of koshogatsu , another custom is to eat “azukigayu,” （小豆粥） a sort of rice gruel that is mixed with sweet red azuki beans. More than often, families decorate their home with “mayudama,” which is when several small cocoon-shaped rice cakes are hung from willow or bamboo twigs as a lucky charm, in between which, sparkle little treasures such as gold coins called koban and other objects, ranging from small sake bottles to wooden lucky charms and so on.
One of the several events that are held during koshogatsu is “toshiura”（年占） Slim bamboo cylinders are placed in the rice gruel that is cooked to enjoy “azukigayu”（小豆粥） and once the dish is ready, they are removed once more. Depending on the amount of gruel left inside the bamboo, one can foretell whether the next year will bring a bountiful harvest or not. Cultural Traditions of Koshōgatsu
Activities on Koshogatsu (小正月）:
During Koshogatsu, families gather in a more subdued manner compared to the lively New Year celebrations. It's a time for quiet introspection, paying respects to ancestors, and offering prayers for a prosperous year ahead.
Many households engage in rituals such as the burning of old talismans and amulets at shrines or temples, symbolizing the end of the past year's protection and welcoming new blessings. Some families take this opportunity to clean their home altars, renewing their spiritual space and expressing gratitude for the previous year's blessings.
Special meals may also be prepared, albeit in a more modest manner compared to the elaborate feasts of New Year's Day. It's a time for cherished family moments, contemplation, and setting intentions for the year ahead, adding depth and meaning to the overall New Year festivities in Japan.
Burning Talismans and Amulets:
Some people burn old talismans and amulets at shrines or temples to symbolize the end of the past year's protection and welcome new blessings.
Cleaning Home Altars:
Families may clean and renew their home altars to express gratitude and welcome new blessings.
Special Meals:
While less elaborate than the New Year's feast, Koshogatsu meals may include special dishes like azukigayu (red bean rice porridge) and mochi (rice cake), says Kyoto Foodie.
Introspection and Family Time:
Koshogatsu is a time for quiet reflection, spending quality time with family, and setting intentions for the new year.
Celebrating the Harvest:
Koshogatsu is also linked to prayers for a bountiful harvest in the coming year
Mochibana 餅花 (Rice Cake Flowers):
One of the most iconic Koshōgatsu decorations is mochibana—small branches adorned with colorful rice cake buds that resemble blooming flowers. This symbolizes wishes for a fruitful harvest and the coming of spring.
Dondoyaki どんど焼き (Bonfire Rituals):
Many regions hold dondoyaki, where people gather to burn New Year decorations and old talismans in a large bonfire. The smoke is believed to carry prayers to the gods, and participants often roast mochi over the flames for good luck.
Azuki Gayu 小豆粥 (Red Bean Porridge):
Eating azuki gayu, or red bean rice porridge, is another tradition. The red color is believed to ward off evil spirits and misfortune, providing protection for the coming year.
The Spirit of Koshogatsu (小正月）
Unlike the exuberance of 元日https://www.group-shinka.com/culture/japanese-new-year、 Koshōgatsu invites us to slow down. It is a time for ritual cleansing, for offering thanks to ancestors and deities, and for recognizing the small but steady rhythms of rural and domestic life.
It reflects a deep cultural belief in cycles of nature, of effort, of spirit. While the modern calendar has shifted focus to January 1st, Koshōgatsu preserves the lunar legacy that shaped much of Japan’s seasonal and spiritual traditions.
Why Koshogatsu (小正月） Still Matters Today
In a fast-paced world, Koshōgatsu reminds us that not all beginnings need to be loud. There is strength in the subtle, and value in revisiting intentions after the initial rush of the new year fades.
For individuals and organizations alike, Koshōgatsu offers a perfect mid-January pause a chance to reflect, realign, and return to our goals with fresh clarity and quiet determination.Even if the importance of agriculture has declined over the years in respect to people's daily life, koshogatsu is still celebrated - especially in rural areas that do rely on agriculture for their income. However, various temples, shrines, and communities all across Japan celebrate the Little New Year, typically on the 15th of January, making use of several old customs and traditions that were passed down for generations.
In today's modern society, koshogatsu is also often the time when Japanese households start to take down their New Year's decorations so if you happen to see a pile of “shimekazari”, a small rice straw rope decorated with certain auspicious items like oranges and pine twigs, just being thrown out you can be sure that the time for koshogatsu has come - why not visit a temple yourself and partake in one of Japan's ancient customs?
Pro Tips for Tourists During Koshogatsu (小正月） in Japan
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Summary:
Koshōgatsu, Japan’s “Little New Year,” offers a peaceful contrast to the grand New Year celebrations. Observed on January 15, this tradition is deeply tied to agricultural customs, honoring ancestors, and embracing the quiet moments of renewal. From preparing sweet azuki rice porridge to decorating with symbolic offerings, Koshōgatsu invites reflection and connection to nature. This serene celebration reminds us that new beginnings don’t always require loud fanfare—sometimes, they arrive in moments of stillness and simplicity.
Curious to learn more about Japan’s lesser-known traditions? Explore how Koshōgatsu and other cultural celebrations reflect the values of renewal, community, and gratitude. Join the conversation below or share your thoughts with us!
More information
https://www.group-shinka.com/culture/japanese-lunar-new-year
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