Celebrate New Year the Japanese Way: A Quiet, Meaningful Start

Narelle Katsumoto

1月1日読了時間: 3分

In Japan, New Year (shōgatsu) is the most significant holiday of the year. From January 1st to January 3rd, the country slows down as businesses close, and families gather to celebrate a fresh beginning. This holiday isn’t about countdown parties or flashy fireworks but quiet traditions, meaningful rituals, and family togetherness. Let’s take a closer look at how Japan rings in the New Year.

A Time to Reflect and Reset

In Japanese culture, years are viewed as distinct and separate, with the new year offering a clean slate. To fully embrace this reset, the old year’s obligations must be wrapped up by December 31st. This means cleaning the house, completing work tasks, and attending bonenkai (“year-forgetting parties”) to leave behind any worries from the past year.

As the clock approaches midnight, families enjoy toshikoshi soba (buckwheat noodles), symbolizing longevity and the act of cutting away the misfortunes of the previous year. Some households gather around the TV to watch Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a beloved musical competition that has been a New Year’s Eve tradition since 1959.

Midnight Bells: A Spiritual Start

When the clock strikes midnight, Japan remains serene. Rather than loud celebrations, many temples ring their bells 108 times in a Buddhist ritual called joya no kane. The number 108 represents the worldly desires that cause human suffering, and the chimes are meant to cleanse the soul for the year ahead.

Many people then visit a shrine or temple for hatsumode (the year’s first shrine visit), where they pray for health, prosperity, and happiness. Locals often go to a shrine or temple that is near their homes.

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New Year Traditions and Symbolism

New Year’s Day: Sunrise and Symbolism

January 1st is considered highly promising and often begins with hatsu-hinode, or watching the first sunrise of the year. This peaceful moment is believed to set the tone for the year ahead. The day is meant to be stress-free, joyful, and without work—a time for family and gratitude.

New Year’s Greetings

As the year winds down, people exchange wishes with the phrase “Yoi otoshi wo” (“Have a good year”). After the New Year begins, the greeting becomes “Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu” (“Happy New Year”).

A cherished tradition during this time is sending nengajō (New Year’s cards). These beautifully designed cards often feature cute or elegant motifs and are marked to be delivered precisely on January 1st. They’re sent to friends, relatives, and coworkers, and those sold by Japan Post often include lottery numbers, giving recipients a chance to win prizes ranging from cash to local specialties.

Traditional New Year Foods

Food plays a central role in Japanese New Year celebrations. Families enjoy dishes packed with symbolic meaning:

Osechi ryōri: A beautiful assortment of labor-intensive, traditional dishes, often ordered in advance. Each item holds special significance, from health to happiness to wealth.

Ozoni: A savory soup with mochi (rice cakes), whose ingredients vary by region and family.

Otoso: Sweetened rice wine shared to toast the New Year.

Lucky Bags and Shopping Sprees

Retailers add excitement to the season with fukubukuro (“lucky bags”), where customers purchase mystery bags at a fraction of their total value. This clever tradition, dating back to the 1900s, clears out inventory while giving shoppers a thrill. New Year’s sales also make January 1st a bustling day for bargain hunters.

Fireworks: A Rare Sight

While New Year’s Eve fireworks are rare in Japan, a few locations near Tokyo, such as Yokosuka and Yokohama, put on short but dazzling displays. Even theme parks like Universal Studios Japan join in on the fun. For most, however, fireworks are more of a summer activity.

Japan’s New Year celebrations offer a thoughtful approach to welcoming a new chapter—focused on reflection, family, and meaningful traditions. Whether it’s sharing a bowl of ozoni with loved ones, watching the sunrise, or ringing the temple bells, every ritual carries a sense of renewal and gratitude.

This year, why not embrace the Japanese spirit of shōgatsu and start your New Year with peace and purpose? Wishing you a joyful and fulfilling year ahead—Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!

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毎週火曜日に世界中を助ける。

Celebrate New Year the Japanese Way: A Quiet, Meaningful Start

A Time to Reflect and Reset

Midnight Bells: A Spiritual Start