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. The countless tiny eggs represent a future filled with children and good fortune.   Kuromame (Sweet Black Soybeans) Sweet simmered black soybeans. “Bean” (mame) is associated with working diligently and staying healthy, so kuromame represents health and hard work. Their glossy black finish is considered beautiful and auspicious, while the slow simmering process reflects patience and care.   Tazukuri (Candied Baby Sardines) Dried baby sardines cooked in a sweet soy glaze. The name comes from the past practice of using dried fish as fertilizer for rice fields, symbolizing abundant harvests and financial stability. The dish is crunchy and slightly sticky, with a savory-sweet flavor.   Datemaki (Sweet Rolled Omelet) A sweet rolled omelet made from eggs and fish paste (or hanpen). Its scroll-like shape resembles old documents, symbolizing wisdom, learning, and cultural refinement. This dish is especially loved by children thanks to its soft  fluffy, and lightly sweet texture.   Kurikinton (Sweet Chestnut Mashed Potatoes) ...

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 is a highlight of the holiday season — a moment of pure excitement and possibility.   Why Otoshidama Matters in Japanese Culture A Symbol of Blessing and Good Fortune Originally, households offered sacred items from the New Year deity (Toshigami). Over time, this transformed into giving money as a form of blessing for a child’s healthy growth and good fortune.   A Family Bonding Tradition Otoshidama creates warm connections between generations. Even relatives who rarely see each other share a moment of celebration through this custom. A First Lesson in Money For many kids, otoshidama is the first moment they manage a significant amount of money. They learn saving, choosing, comparing, and budgeting through the excitement of the New Year season.   How Much Money Do Children Receive? The amount varies widely depending on age and family traditions, but general ranges look like this: Kindergarten: ¥1,000〜¥2,000 Elementary school: ¥3,000〜¥5,000 Junior high: ¥5,000〜¥10,000 High school: ¥10,000〜¥20,000 ...

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 by native English speakers. Unlike loanwords that retain their original meaning, wasei-eigo often: combine multiple English words shorten longer expressions shift meanings to fit Japanese culture evolve through pronunciation and local usage They are not “mistakes” in Japanese—they are new words born inside Japanese society.   Wasei-Eigo vs. Katakana English: What’s the Difference? Not all English-like words in Japanese are the same. Here’s a simple way to tell them apart: Katakana English: borrowed words that keep their original meaning (e.g., coffee, hotel, internet) Wasei-Eigo (Japanese-made English): words created or transformed in Japan, often with different meanings or usage than standard English This is why some English speakers can understand many Japanese loanwords easily—while others cause a confused “Wait… what?”   Why Does Japanese-Made English Exist? Japanese-made English developed for a few very natural reasons: Sound adaptation: English pronunciation changes to fit Japanese phonetics. Efficiency: long phrases get shortened for daily use. Cultural needs: new words ...

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 shrine or temple after the New Year begins. Many people visit to: Express gratitude for the previous year Pray for health, safety, and good fortune Mark a symbolic fresh start Hatsumode blends spiritual reflection with seasonal tradition, making it one of the most widely observed customs in Japan.   When Does Hatsumode Take Place? Hatsumode usually takes place between January 1 and January 3. However, there is no strict rule. Some people visit later in the first week of January to avoid large crowds. What matters is the intention to begin the year with a respectful visit.   What People Do During Hatsumode Although details vary by location, a typical hatsumode visit includes several familiar actions. Praying at the Shrine Visitors begin by praying at the main hall. If you are unfamiliar with the process, see this guide: How to Pray at a Shinto Shrine in Japan Prayer during hatsumode often focuses on gratitude first, ...

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 hall, stop at the temizuya, the water basin used for purification. This ritual is not only about physical cleanliness. It symbolizes purifying both body and spirit before greeting the kami. Take the ladle with your right hand and pour water over your left hand. Switch hands and pour water over your right hand. Pour a little water into your left hand and gently rinse your mouth. Never touch the ladle directly to your lips. Rinse your left hand again. Let the remaining water run down the handle of the ladle to cleanse it before putting it back. After this short ritual, you are symbolically prepared to enter the sacred space with a clear heart.   Step 2: Walk Through the Torii Gate The torii gate marks the boundary between the everyday world and the sacred realm of the shrine. Bow once lightly before passing through the torii. Walk slightly to the side of the main ...