While we enjoy our favorite Japanese snacks and Japanese candies, we also like to satisfy our cravings for Japanese food with unique foods you can only get in Japan. Eating these foods during the holiday is perfect because dishes that come out only during the holiday season fit that bill perfectly. While you may be familiar with the unique Japanese Christmas food trend, or the special holiday drink that came out, do you know what traditional food Japanese people often eat during New Year's?
Osechi is a traditional meal that contains many different Japanese treats that represent various desires or wishes for the upcoming meal. Osechi comes in a special box similar to the popular bento box. This box is called a juubako. They are often stacked up before and after eating this meal. Let's take a look at some dishes that come in an osechi below!
This is an example of a handmade traditional osechi meal. As you can see, it contains many different flavors, textures, and looks all in one meal!
This Japanese treat is a Japanese bitter orange called daidai. This bitter orange is included in an osechi because it's name means "from generation to generation". It represents one's wishes or desires that are passed down to your children!
Red seabream, known as tai in Japanese, is a popular, extravagant dish found in high-quality osechi. This fish represents the desire for enriching days for the upcoming year. Many people hope to find this in their osechi as it provides hope that the upcoming year will be even more rewarding than the last!
Above, you can see the large boiled prawn. This is called ebi and it represents a desire for a long life. When looking at a prawn, Japanese people imagine a long beard and a bent back, which brings to mind old age and a long life.
As you can see, osechi has many, many dishes that can be included, so we can't explain every dish here without writing a novel! We hope this little insight into some of the dishes was interesting and helped you learn a little bit more about Japanese culture! We wish we could include some of these snacks into our Japan box, but sadly, it would go bad during transit! However, we are confident you will enjoy all the other Japanese candy in your Japanese snack box!
Let us know in the comments below which of these osechi dishes you'd love to try!
Enjoyed this article? Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep informed about all the going ons in the Japanese snack world! Want a Japanese candy box of your own? Make sure to subscribe here so you can get just that!
In this article, we will cover five unique professions in Japan for foreigners, including some that might surprise you, like voice acting!
If you have ever been to Japan, you have likely spotted a randoseru or two. These durable, boxy backpacks are a signature piece of Japanese childhood and can be seen strapped to the backs of elementary school students nationwide. But what exactly is this, and why is it important in Japanese culture? Let us unpack...
Let’s explore the best aquariums in Japan, starting with the incredible Sumida Aquarium, and see why these spots are perfect for your next aquatic adventure!
While Christmas may not be a national holiday per se, there’s no lack of festive cheer in Japan at Christmastime. And as the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing better than enjoying delicious holiday snacks.
Are you planning a trip to Japan this winter, eager to make the most of your visit? You’re in the right place! Here are some local events to put on your December 2024 calendar!
Stores, like Can Do, are favorites among locals and have become popular tourist spots. They offer high-quality products that meet different needs and interests.