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seasonal traditions
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 ...
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 ...
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