New Year’s Day Food And More Great Things to Enjoy!

Japan’s traditional New Year, known as Oshogatsu, is a meaningful time to welcome the New Year deity, Toshigami, and wish for health, luck, and prosperity. This cheerful season invites us to enjoy classic customs, fun bonding activities, and tasty New Year’s Day food loved across Japan. Keep reading to discover the most exciting highlights of this festive season in Japan!

Before the New Year, what do Japanese people usually do?

As the New Year approaches, people shop, meet friends, and join year-end parties with coworkers. Besides that, families prepare their homes carefully for a fresh start. This time is about cleaning and decorating. It marks the end of the old year and the start of hope!

One important custom is osoji, the big year-end cleaning done at home, schools, and workplaces. Families clean floors, windows, kitchens, and even small corners together. This activity originated from an ancient ritual called susuharai, performed in temples and shrines. Cleaning removes dust, old worries, and bad luck from the past year. It also creates a clean place to welcome good fortune. Working together makes the activity feel warm and meaningful!

Once the cleaning is finished, homes are decorated with lucky items that have special meanings. Kadomatsu made of pine and bamboo stands at the doors to welcome the gods. Shimekazari ropes hang on doors to protect homes and invite good luck. Kagami mochi with an orange sits inside as a wish for family happiness. These decorations are available in a variety of styles and sizes. Together, these customs make Oshogatsu a bright, peaceful, and hopeful celebration.

What should I do during Oshogatsu?

If you talk about Oshogatsu, it’s impossible not to mention Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year! People across Japan visit shrines and temples to express gratitude and wish for good fortune. This custom comes from old Shinto beliefs and has been practiced for many generations. Visitors bow, clap, and quietly make wishes for the year ahead. Many also draw omikuji fortunes and buy colorful omamori charms.

In addition, Oshogatsu is also a time for New Year’s Day food, games, and home traditions. Families enjoy special New Year dishes together and share warm moments at home. Traditional games such as karuta (a traditional card game) or takoage (kite flying) bring laughter. These activities make the holiday lively and full of togetherness!

After busy days, many people relax and enjoy anime during the long New Year break. Watching anime feels cozy while relaxing indoors. Popular choices include Doraemon, Cardcaptor Sakura, Lucky Star, and Fruits Basket. These shows often feature New Year scenes, shrines, and warm family moments. They help viewers feel connected to the season.

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What New Year’s Day food should I try at the start of the year?

During this time, when the New Year begins in Japan, families gather to enjoy savory New Year’s Day foods filled with wishes and stories from the past. Osechi ryori originates from court traditions dating back over a thousand years and is typically packed in beautiful jubako boxes.

Each dish represents hope, such as beans for health, fish cake for a new day, and sweet eggs for learning. Another favorite is ozoni, a warm soup with chewy mochi savored on New Year’s morning. Additionally, long soba noodles are also believed to symbolize a long life and a fresh start. 

As the holiday unfolds, sweet treats softly join the table and brighten the season. Kagami mochi is placed at home as a lucky decoration before being shared later. Other sweets, including dorayaki and yokan, are comforting and straightforward during quiet family time. One special treat is kibidango, which originates from Okayama and resembles tiny mochi balls. Long ago, it was made from millet and served at shrines and tea gatherings.

What should I say when meeting people in the New Year?

On this joyful occasion in Japan, people share warm words at home, in shrines, schools, and on the streets to welcome the new year together. These greetings come from long traditions that value respect, timing, and happy connections. Here are common phrases people say!

• Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu: Happy New Year!
• Kotoshimo yoroshiku onegai shimasu: Please take care of me this year!
• Yoi otoshi wo: Have a good year ahead!
• Ake ome koto yoro: Happy New Year, and let’s get along!

For people far away, written greetings called nengajo become a special activity filled with heart! These New Year cards began when visiting became hard, so words traveled instead of people. Families, friends, and companies send them across Japan to stay connected. Cards often show zodiac animals, lucky symbols, and cheerful designs that attract smiles. They are usually written in early December and mailed so they arrive right on New Year’s Day.

Why is Oshogatsu such a fun experience?

The reason Oshogatsu feels special is that everyday life slows down, giving space to rest, reflect, and enjoy small joys, such as the New Year’s Day food shared at home. These moments help people reconnect with family, memories, and values that are sometimes forgotten during busy days.

At the same time, Oshogatsu feels lively because it brings smiles through games, greetings, stories, and even cozy anime time. It welcomes a fresh start through simple actions, kind words, and meaningful traditions that feel warm rather than rushed. So, what part of Oshogatsu do you think would make you feel the most peaceful or joyful? Let me know in the comments!