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 ...
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 mark the start of the year with gratitude and respect. Once a near-universal custom, nengajō are now declining due to rising costs, digital communication, and changing lifestyles. Yet despite this shift, the tradition still reveals something essential about Japanese culture: how relationships are maintained, how years are “closed,” and why physical effort still matters in moments of transition. This article explains what nengajō are, why fewer people send them today, and why the custom has not disappeared entirely. What Is a Nengajō? A nengajō is a postcard sent to friends, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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