New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Japan are filled with traditions and cherished family moments. This period is marked by numerous cultural practices, each carrying special meanings. This article provides a chronological overview of how Japanese people typically spend this time, along with explanations of the cultural significance behind each activity.
Eating Toshikoshi Soba (New Year’s Eve Evening)
On the evening of New Year’s Eve, many families eat “Toshikoshi Soba” (year-crossing noodles). The long, thin noodles symbolize longevity, while their ease of cutting represents cutting off the hardships of the past year. Families may enjoy the noodles either hot or cold, depending on regional and personal preferences.
Watching the Kouhaku Uta Gassen (New Year’s Eve Night)
The “Kouhaku Uta Gassen” (Red and White Song Contest), aired by NHK since 1951, is a staple New Year’s Eve television program. In this music show, the Red Team (female artists) and the White Team (male artists) compete against each other. It is a nostalgic and entertaining way for families to reflect on the year’s music hits together.
Listening to Joya no Kane (New Year’s Eve Midnight)
At midnight on New Year’s Eve, temple bells across Japan ring out 108 times, a tradition known as “Joya no Kane.” According to Buddhist teachings, these 108 chimes symbolize the number of human desires or “bonno” that cause suffering. The tolling of the bells is believed to purify the soul and prepare people for a fresh start in the new year. Many people visit temples to experience this tradition firsthand, sometimes even taking turns ringing the bell themselves.
Family Gatherings and Welcoming the New Year (Midnight)
The moment the new year begins is often spent with family. Families exchange New Year’s greetings and may finalize preparations for sending out New Year’s cards. In modern times, it has become common to use smartphones to send New Year messages to friends and relatives.
Hatsumode (New Year’s Day)
On New Year’s Day, many people visit shrines or temples for “Hatsumode,” the first shrine visit of the year. This is a time to pray for health, happiness, and success. Visitors often draw “omikuji” (fortune slips) to predict their luck for the year and purchase protective charms. Popular shrines can see long queues as people flock to make their prayers.
Eating Osechi Ryori (New Year’s Morning)
New Year’s morning is marked by eating “Osechi Ryori,” a traditional assortment of preserved dishes. Each dish in the osechi box carries a special meaning. For example, black beans symbolize hard work and health, while kazunoko (herring roe) represents fertility. Alongside osechi, families often enjoy “ozoni,” a soup with rice cakes.
Hatsuyume (New Year’s Night to January 2nd Morning)
The first dream of the year, known as “Hatsuyume,” is believed to foretell one’s fortune for the year ahead. It is said that dreaming of “Mount Fuji, a hawk, and an eggplant” (“Ichi Fuji, Ni Taka, San Nasubi”) brings especially good luck.
Exchanging New Year’s Cards (From New Year’s Day)
On New Year’s Day, the Japanese postal service delivers a large volume of “Nengajo” (New Year’s cards) that people have sent to friends, relatives, and colleagues. These cards serve as a way to maintain and strengthen relationships.
Giving Otoshidama (From New Year’s Day)
For children, one of the highlights of New Year’s is receiving “Otoshidama,” a monetary gift from parents and relatives. This tradition expresses hopes for the children’s bright future and growth.
The Japanese New Year period is a time of blending old traditions with modern practices. Each activity is imbued with cultural significance, making it a time for family bonding and reflection. For visitors to Japan, it offers a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Japanese culture. Why not immerse yourself in these traditions this year and gain a deeper appreciation of Japan’s heritage?
