26.Dec.2023
DISCOVER JAPAN
Wonders of Japan’s New Year Charms
In Japan, the New Year, (Oshogatsu), isn’t just a date change—it’s a tapestry of traditions and moments that bind the old with the new, the spiritual with the daily, and most importantly, the individual with the family. Here are the 9 aspects we found astonishing through the eyes of expats from our office:
1. Midnight Pilgrimage: The Hatsumode Tradition
Imagine the thrill of joining a sea of people, braving the cold, waiting for the clock to strike midnight. This isn’t the typical New Year countdown; it’s Hatsumode, Japan’s first shrine visit of the year—a blend of faith, hope, and community.
2. Ringing Bells and Reflective Hearts: New Year’s Eve at Shrines
While the world parties, Japan introspects. The ringing bells in temples at midnight don’t just mark the new year; they’re a call to look within, a striking contrast to the global revelry.
3. Sanganichi: Recharging in Serenity
The first three days of January are for unwinding. Japan turns down the volume of life, emphasizing rest—a lesson in starting the year rejuvenated.
4. A Unique Calendar Celebration: Solar New Year
Japan’s solar New Year celebration sets it apart in a region dominated by Lunar New Year festivities. Unlike many Asian countries that celebrate the Lunar New Year, Japan follows the solar calendar, marking its unique approach to honoring tradition.
5. Fukubukuro: A Surprise in Every Bag
Every year, ‘Lucky Bags’ are a shopper’s delight and a gamble! Nice deals with product sets wrapped in mystery, they encapsulate hope, surprise, and the joy of the unknown.
6. Out with the Old: The Ritual Burning
In Japan, New Year decorations don’t just get thrown away; they’re given a ceremonial farewell through burning, symbolizing respect and renewal.
7. A Feast of Wishes: Osechi-ryori
Osechi-ryori is a traditional Japanese New Year meal consisting of various colorful dishes, each symbolizing different wishes for the coming year, served in special lacquered boxes. Every dish in the Osechi-ryori is a wish for the future. It is a culinary tapestry of hopes and dreams, shared around the family table.
8. Home is Where the Heart Is: Family Celebrations
Japan turns New Year’s into a family affair. It’s a time for quiet, warmth, and togetherness, a stark contrast to the usual party scene.
9. The Closed Doors of New Year
Many restaurants and shopping malls in Japan close for the first few days of the year. This is different from many other countries where New Year’s Day is a big shopping day. In Japan, this time is traditionally reserved for family and relaxation, reflecting the country’s value on taking a break and ringing in the New Year with loved ones.
Japan’s New Year customs, like shrine visits and Osechi-ryori, showcase its rich culture and traditions. When visiting Japan during New Year, choose to experience one of these traditions. It’s a perfect way to connect with Japan’s heritage and make your trip memorable.
