Why “YUNOMI”?

Osechi ryōri is Japan’s traditional New Year feast, where each dish carries a symbolic wish for the year ahead. Presented in layered lacquer boxes, these foods blend flavor, tradition, and hope — offering a deeper look into how Japanese people welcome the New Year. Below is a guide to the most iconic osechi dishes, arranged in the traditional order used inside the jubako boxes.   Kazunoko (Herring Roe) Kazunoko symbolizes prosperity and the wish for a family line to continue. Its firm texture comes from strong salt curing, so the roe is typically soaked before eating to remove excess salt. ...

Otoshidama is a beloved Japanese New Year tradition in which adults give money to children in small decorated envelopes called pochibukuro. For kids, it’s the biggest financial event of the year — a chance to buy something special. This article explains the meaning, customs, modern trends, and how digital money is slowly changing the tradition.   What Is Otoshidama? Otoshidama is money given to children by parents, grandparents, relatives, and sometimes close family friends during the New Year. The money is placed in a small envelope called a pochibukuro, often decorated with cute or traditional designs. For children, receiving otoshidama ...

Japanese-made English (wasei-eigo) is a group of English-like words created in Japan that sound familiar to English speakers but carry different meanings or usages. These words are not “wrong English,” but linguistic adaptations shaped by Japanese culture, pronunciation, and social context—so this article explains what Japanese-made English is, why it exists, how it differs from real English, and common examples you’ll encounter in everyday life in Japan.   What Is Japanese-Made English (Wasei-Eigo)? Japanese-made English is a category of words that look or sound like English but were created or reshaped in Japan and are not used the same way ...

Hatsumode is the Japanese tradition of making the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year. Rather than a strict religious obligation, hatsumode is a cultural practice centered on gratitude for the past year and quiet reflection on the year ahead. Understanding hatsumode helps explain why prayer, omikuji, and omamori are so closely associated with the New Year in Japan. This article explains what hatsumode is, when it takes place, what people typically do during their visit, and what visitors should expect.   What Is Hatsumode? Hatsumode literally means “first visit” and refers to the first visit to a ...

Praying at a Shinto shrine is a traditional Japanese practice of showing respect and gratitude toward the kami (Shinto deities). Rather than strict religious worship, shrine prayer is a calm ritual rooted in purification, mindfulness, and awareness of sacred space. Understanding this etiquette helps explain why gestures such as bowing, clapping, and cleansing matter—and why items like goshuin and omamori are treated with care. This guide explains the basic steps of praying at a Shinto shrine, common mistakes to avoid, and the cultural meaning behind each gesture.   Step 1: Purify Yourself at the Temizuya Before you approach the main ...

Joya no Kane is the Japanese tradition of ringing temple bells 108 times on New Year’s Eve.   It isn’t a loud countdown party; it is a spiritual deep breath. Each strike of the bell symbolizes the release of worldly burdens—like anger and anxiety—allowing people to "reset" their hearts and welcome January 1st with a clear mind.   What Is Joya no Kane? Joya no Kane literally means “the bell of New Year’s Eve.”   On the night of December 31, Buddhist temples across Japan ring their large bronze bells in a slow, echoing rhythm. While fireworks and cheering mark the New ...

In many countries, Christmas decorations remain until January. But in Japan, something striking happens: the moment Christmas ends on December 25th, the entire atmosphere shifts overnight. On December 26th, Santa displays disappear, and stores fill with shimekazari, kadomatsu, kagami mochi, and ingredients for traditional New Year dishes. It feels as if the country has changed seasons in a single night.   Why the Switch Happens So Fast This dramatic shift comes from the cultural difference in how Christmas and the New Year are viewed in Japan: Christmas is a light, seasonal event — illumination, gifts for children, and romantic dinners. ...

Nengajō are Japan’s traditional New Year greeting cards, sent to express gratitude and maintain relationships. But in recent years, rising postage costs, the convenience of smartphones, and lifestyle changes have led to a clear decline. This article explains the cultural meaning of nengajō, why they are disappearing, and why some people — and companies — still send them today.   What Is a Nengajō? A nengajō is a postcard sent to friends, family, and acquaintances to welcome the new year. Japan Post runs a special system ensuring that cards mailed in December arrive exactly on January 1st, making it a ...

Osechi ryōri is Japan’s traditional New Year feast, prepared in advance and beautifully packed into lacquered boxes called jūbako. Each dish carries symbolic meaning — from health and longevity to prosperity and family harmony. This article explains what osechi is, why it’s prepared before New Year’s Day, and the cultural beliefs behind this centuries-old tradition.   What Is Osechi? Osechi literally means “seasonal festival food,” originally referring to meals offered during important points in the calendar year. Today, the word mainly refers to the special dishes eaten during Oshōgatsu — Japan’s New Year celebration. These dishes are packed into a multi-tiered ...

In Japan, the New Year is welcomed not just with celebrations but with a deep sense of renewal and spiritual preparation. Two traditional decorations — shimekazari and kadomatsu — are placed at entrances to purify the home and invite the New Year deity, Toshigami, to bring blessings for the coming year.   What Is a Shimekazari? A shimekazari is a sacred New Year decoration made from twisted rice straw, pine, zigzag paper strips, and various auspicious ornaments. Hung above the doorway, it marks the entrance as a purified, protected space suitable for welcoming the divine. Although simple in appearance, each ...