How does Japan celebrate New Year's?

Japan is a country steeped in tradition, and nowhere is this more evident than during the New Year's holiday season. For many Japanese people, New Year's is a time for reflection, renewal, and spending time with family and loved ones. In this article, we'll explore some of the unique customs and traditions that make New Year's in Japan such a special and memorable occasion.

1. Introduction

New Year's, or shogatsu (正月) as it's known in Japan, is one of the most important holidays of the year. It's a time when people say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new one. In Japan, the New Year's holiday season typically lasts from December 31st to January 3rd, during which time many businesses and schools are closed.

2. Preparations for New Year's

In the weeks leading up to New Year's, Japanese people engage in a variety of preparations to ensure that they enter the new year with a fresh start. Some of these preparations include:

Cleaning and decluttering

Before the start of the New Year, many Japanese people engage in a thorough cleaning of their homes and workplaces. This is known as oosouji (大掃除) and is seen as a way to symbolically get rid of any bad luck or negativity from the previous year.

Sending New Year's cards

Another important tradition in Japan is sending out New Year's cards, or nengajo (年賀状). These cards are typically sent out to friends, family, and colleagues, and often feature the zodiac animal for the upcoming year.

Decorations

Japanese people also decorate their homes and public spaces with a variety of New Year's decorations, such as kadomatsu (門松) and shimekazari (注連縄). Kadomatsu are bamboo and pine decorations that are placed outside homes and businesses, while shimekazari are traditional rope decorations that are hung on doors to ward off evil spirits.

3. New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve, or oomisoka (大晦日), is a time for reflection and celebration in Japan. Here are some of the customs and traditions associated with this special night:

Bell-ringing at temples and shrines

Many Japanese people visit temples and shrines on New Year's Eve to participate in a tradition known as joya no kane (除夜の鐘). During this tradition, bells are rung 108 times to represent the 108 worldly desires that Buddhists believe cause human suffering.

Eating soba noodles

Another tradition on New Year's Eve is to eat soba noodles, which are thin buckwheat noodles. It's believed that eating soba noodles on New Year's Eve will bring good luck and ensure a long and healthy life.

Watching Kohaku Uta Gassen

Kohaku Uta Gassen is a popular music program that airs on New Year's Eve in Japan. The program features some of the country's top musical acts, and families often gather around the TV to watch it together.

4. New Year's Day

New Year's Day, or oshogatsu (お正月), is the most important day of the New Year's holiday season. Here are some of the customs and traditions associated with this special day:

Visiting shrines and temples for hatsumode

One of the most important traditions on New Year's Day is to visit a shrine or temple for hatsumode (初詣). This involves offering prayers for good luck and success in the new year, and can be a very crowded and festive experience.

Eating traditional New Year's foods, such as osechi ryori

Osechi ryori is a traditional New Year's food that consists of a variety of dishes, each with its own symbolic meaning. For example, black beans are eaten for good health, while herring roe is eaten for fertility and prosperity.

Playing games and engaging in other traditional activities

On New Year's Day, many families gather together to play games and engage in other traditional activities, such as hanetsuki (a game similar to badminton), or mochitsuki (pounding rice to make mochi).

5. Other New Year's traditions and customs

In addition to the customs and traditions already mentioned, there are many other unique New Year's traditions and customs in Japan, such as:

Giving otoshidama (New Year's money) to children

During the New Year's holiday season, it's common for adults to give otoshidama (お年玉) to children. This is typically a small amount of money that's given in a decorated envelope.

Watching the first sunrise of the year

Many Japanese people make a point of watching the first sunrise of the year, which is known as hatsuhinode (初日の出). This is seen as a way to start the year off on a positive and hopeful note.

Sumo tournaments

In Japan, there are several sumo tournaments held throughout the year, including one during the New Year's holiday season. This tournament, known as the Grand Sumo Tournament, is a major cultural event and draws large crowds.

6. Practical tips for celebrating New Year's in Japan

If you're interested in celebrating New Year's in Japan yourself, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

• Book accommodations well in advance, as many places fill up quickly during the holiday season.

• Be prepared for crowds if you plan to visit shrines or temples for hatsumode.

• Try traditional New Year's foods, but also be prepared for the fact that many restaurants and stores may be closed during the holiday season.

• Dress warmly, as Japan can be quite cold in the winter.

7. Conclusion

New Year's in Japan is a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration. Whether you're ringing in the new year with family and friends, watching the first sunrise of the year, or visiting a shrine or temple for hatsumode, there are many unique customs and traditions that make this holiday season truly special. By understanding and appreciating these customs, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Japan.