Life
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 ...
Kagami mochi is one of Japan’s most iconic New Year decorations. Placed in the home to welcome the New Year deity, it represents purity, continuity, and good fortune. This guide explains what kagami mochi is, the meaning behind its shape, why a “daidai” fruit sits on top, and how modern versions have changed. What Is Kagami Mochi? Kagami mochi is a traditional New Year offering consisting of two stacked rice cakes with a citrus fruit on top. The decoration is displayed from late December until Kagami Biraki, a ceremonial “opening” in early January. The two mochi symbolize harmony between ...
Imagine stepping into a cozy restaurant in Japan on a freezing winter day. You take off your coat, sit down, and—before you even open the menu—a glass of water with ice cubes arrives on your table. It’s refreshing, yes, but also puzzling: why ice-cold water, even in the middle of winter? In Japan, this “ice water by default” is a small hospitality system—a standard welcome gesture (often called ohiya) that feels clean, quick, and universally acceptable. This article explains why it became the norm, what it quietly communicates in Japanese dining culture, and how to ask for no ice or ...
In Japan, the final evening of the year — Ōmisoka — is celebrated quietly with a special bowl of soba noodles called toshikoshi soba. The name means “year-crossing noodles,” and this simple dish carries a deep message of farewell and renewal. It marks the closing of one year and the beginning of another, reminding people to let go of hardships and welcome a fresh start. Why Japanese People Eat Soba on New Year’s Eve The tradition dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868). Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, are long, thin, and easy to cut — symbolizing a smooth ...
Japanese convenience stores (konbini) transform during winter. Hot steam, warm snacks, and seasonal drinks fill the counter, offering quick comfort against the cold. From oden to nikuman and hot beverages, konbini become the coziest winter hubs in Japan. What Makes Winter Konbini Special? When temperatures drop, Japanese convenience stores shift into “winter mode.” Food counters fill with warm steam, the smell of broth drifts from the oden pot, and customers grab hot drinks to warm their hands as they head back into the cold night. For many people in Japan, this seasonal atmosphere feels as familiar as Christmas lights ...
In many countries, Christmas is a religious holiday — a time for church services, family gatherings, and traditional meals like roast turkey or ham. Japan, however, has shaped Christmas into something uniquely its own.Although only a small percentage of people in Japan are Christian, Christmas has grown into a beloved winter celebration — not for religion, but for romance, illuminations, and delicious food. A Celebration Without Religion Unlike Western countries, Christmas in Japan is largely secular: No traditional church visits for most families No nativity scenes at home No strong religious meaning Instead, it feels like a mix of a ...
In Japan, cleaning is more than a chore — it is a cultural ritual. Every December, homes, schools, and workplaces across Japan take part in ōsōji — a deep cleaning tradition before the New Year. It is a time to sweep away dust, clutter, and worries from the past year, and welcome the new one with clarity and gratitude. Ōsōji is not just about tidying rooms. It is about refreshing the heart and space to begin again. Why Ōsōji Matters in Japan The practice dates back centuries and is rooted in Shinto beliefs. Cleanliness is closely connected to purity, ...
In Japanese winter, few things feel more comforting than sliding your legs beneath a warm blanket and settling into a kotatsu. Soft light, gentle heat, and a shared table — the kotatsu is not only a heater, but a space that brings people together. What Is a Kotatsu? A kotatsu is a low table with a built-in heating unit. A thick blanket (called a futon) is placed between the table frame and the tabletop, trapping heat underneath. You slip your legs inside, and warmth wraps around you instantly. Unlike central heating, the kotatsu warms your body rather than the ...
When you step into a Japanese-style room, the first thing you feel is the soft give of tatami under your feet. Its green scent, woven texture, and quiet presence have defined Japanese homes for centuries. But tatami is far more than a type of flooring—it is a living material that reflects Japan’s climate, values, and way of life. Tatami brings softness, fragrance, and warmth into the Japanese home. What Is Tatami? Tatami is a traditional Japanese flooring material used in homes, temples, and inns for more than a thousand years. A standard tatami mat is made of three parts: the ...
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