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 Year in many Western countries, Japan’s approach is different.   The atmosphere is calm, cold, and reflective.   Whether performed by monks or visitors lining up to strike the bell, the ritual serves one purpose: to close the old year properly before the new one begins.   Why 108 Times?   The number 108 is deeply rooted in Buddhist belief. It is said that humans are burdened by 108 bonnō (worldly desires or passions) that disturb the mind.   These include common human struggles such as: Anger Greed Jealousy Attachment to the past In this tradition, each toll of the bell is a symbolic release.   Think of it not as a magic spell, but as a gentle reminder to let go. With every strike, you leave behind a little bit of the year’s weight, making space for a fresh start.   A “Reset Button” for the Soul Why do Japanese people cherish this sound so much? It’s because ...

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. The New Year is spiritually significant — a time to welcome the deity Toshigami, reset life, and start fresh. Because the New Year holds deeper meaning, Japan quickly leaves Christmas behind and focuses on preparing for a sacred beginning.   Ōsōji: Clearing Space for the New Year Before the New Year, families perform ōsōji, a deep cleaning that removes the dust, worries, and bad luck of the past year. This is not merely tidying — it is a ritual reset. Once the home is spiritually refreshed, people hang shimekazari and prepare to welcome Toshigami. The cultural rhythm naturally leaves no place for a “post-Christmas” atmosphere.   Why January 1st Is a Clear Reset Point For many Japanese people, January 1st is more than the first day of the calendar — it is a complete reset, a moment to start the year with a clean slate. This is why Christmas, as a “previous-year event,” is never ...

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 nationwide ritual. For decades, opening the mailbox on the morning of January 1st to find a stack of bright cards was a quintessential Japanese New Year experience.   The Cultural Value Behind Nengajō Maintaining Social Connections Nengajō reaffirm relationships you may not see often. A simple “Thank you for last year” keeps social ties warm. A Clear Cultural “Boundary” Japan highly values clear transitions between old and new. Nengajō symbolically close the previous year and open the next with respect. Gratitude and Respect From teachers and coworkers to relatives and mentors, nengajō offer a chance to reflect on relationships and express appreciation.   Traditional Designs: Why the Zodiac (Eto) Matters Most nengajō feature the year’s zodiac animal (eto). This has become one of the most recognizable elements of Japanese New Year aesthetics. Zodiac animals — the most common design, symbolizing good luck Mount Fuji — strength and hope First sunrise — a classic symbol of ...

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 lacquer box called a jūbako. The layers symbolize “stacking up good fortune” for the coming year — a beautiful representation of Japanese hopes for happiness, health, and prosperity.   Why Osechi Is Prepared Before New Year’s Day Although it is a New Year’s meal, osechi is almost always prepared before December 31st. This tradition is rooted in two major beliefs:   1. Osechi Is Originally an Offering to the Gods New Year’s Day welcomes Toshigami, the deity of the incoming year. Osechi dishes were originally made as offerings and later shared by the family to receive the deity’s blessings. Because of this, having osechi ready by the morning of January 1st was considered essential. If the food was not prepared on time, it was seen as disrespectful to the gods.   2. Knives Should Not Be Used During New Year In Japanese culture, knives symbolize “cutting ties”. Using them on New Year’s Day was thought ...

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 component carries symbolic meaning rooted in Shinto beliefs.   The Meaning Behind Each Element Urajiro (fern) Two symmetrical leaves symbolize marital harmony. The pale underside represents purity and a sincere heart.   Yuzuriha (evergreen leaf) As new leaves grow, older leaves naturally fall away. This expresses generational continuity — the passing of fortune and responsibility to the next generation.   Daidai (bitter orange) A fruit that can remain on the tree for years. Because one branch may bear fruit across multiple “generations,” it symbolizes long-lasting prosperity. (Modern shimekazari often use a durable plastic daidai for convenience.)   Shide (zigzag paper) A Shinto symbol marking sacred or purified spaces, inviting divine protection.   Different Types of Shimekazari Shimekazari come in various styles across Japan, reflecting regional customs and differences in lifestyle. Tamakazari: A thick circular rope decorated with fern, shide, daidai, a folding fan, and sometimes shrimp (symbol of longevity). Common in eastern Japan and often ...