New Year's celebrations are a time of joy and tradition around the world, and Japan is no exception. With its rich cultural heritage, Japan offers some of the most unique and meaningful ways to ring in the new year. Here are seven fascinating facts about how the Japanese celebrate this special occasion.

 

1. Oosoji (Big Cleaning)

Oosoji is a combination of two Japanese words: "Oo" meaning big, and "Soji" meaning cleaning. This tradition refers to a major cleaning event that takes place in homes and workplaces. It is a secret of the Japanese in welcoming the New Year with a clean home and a clear heart.

The habit of cleaning is a tradition that is highly valued in Japan, and the Japanese are known for their culture of cleanliness. This is reflected in the unique New Year traditions.

As the year comes to a close, the Japanese want to welcome the New Year with both a clean spirit and environment, believing that the Toshigami deity will come and bring fortune.

2. Watching the First Sunrise

Hatsuhinode (初日の出) is a meaningful Japanese tradition where people gather at specific locations to watch the first sunrise of the New Year.

The Japanese believe that this is when the Toshigami deity arrives, a god who will bring luck throughout the year.

To witness the first sunrise, it's best to go to a high place such as a mountain, temple, or beach with a wide horizon. Popular tourist spots like Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are often crowded with visitors. However, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast first, just to be safe.

3. Oshogatsu Kazari & Kagami Mochi

Two important elements in Japanese New Year celebrations that carry messages of hope and good fortune.
Oshogatsu Kazari are traditional decorations displayed during New Year's. Before the year ends, the Japanese decorate the front of their homes with these unique decorations. Some examples include:

• Kadomatsu: A gate-like decoration made of bamboo, plum, and pine, typically placed at the entrance to welcome the gods.

• Shimenawa: A straw rope decorated with white paper (called shide), often hung at the entrance to ward off evil spirits.

Kagami Mochi is a round rice cake filled with an orange and ornaments that symbolize the zodiac sign of the upcoming year. The Japanese offer Kagami Mochi as an offering to the gods, symbolizing prosperity and fertility.

 

4. Hatsumode

Imagine thousands of people gathering at magnificent temples, praying in a solemn atmosphere. This is the reality of the Hatsumode tradition.

On New Year's Day, the Japanese flock to places of worship to pray for good things, make wishes at Shinto or Buddhist temples, and say "Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu," which also means "Happy New Year."

Hatsumode also means "first prayer," which originates from the Toshigomori tradition, where the head of the family prays inside the Ujigami Shrine and stays awake all night. It is a sacred moment for the Japanese, where the temple becomes an oasis of peace for reflection and prayer.

Some famous temples for Hatsumode are Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, and Meiji Jingu Shrine, also in Tokyo.

5. Osechi

A feast of colors and flavors at the start of the year, pleasing both the eyes and the taste buds. Osechi is a traditional Japanese dish served during New Year's that combines unique and diverse flavors, mixing sweet, salty, and sour elements.

Osechi typically consists of various side dishes such as fish, vegetables, and seafood, all prepared traditionally. Each dish carries deep meanings and symbolism.

For example, daikon symbolizes good luck, while black beans symbolize health and longevity.

Some key components of Osechi are O toso, Iwaizakana, O zouni, and Nishime. By enjoying these dishes, the Japanese celebrate the New Year while hoping for good fortune, health, and family harmony.

6. Nengajo

New Year canvas: Nengajo is not just a greeting card but also a mini work of art that reflects culture and trends.

The tradition of sending New Year greeting cards through the mail, which will arrive at the recipient's address on January 1st. Each Nengajo card has a unique number that can be entered into a lottery, with prizes ranging from electronics to vacation trips.

Nengajo cards feature highly creative and diverse designs, often reflecting popular characters, anime, natural landscapes, and many people even create their own custom-designed cards.

For many Japanese people, sending and receiving Nengajo becomes a moment to gather with family, exchange stories, and read aloud the greetings they have received.

7. Otoshidama

Every New Year, children in Japan eagerly await one thing: Otoshidama. Otoshidama is a unique Japanese tradition where adults give money to children during the New Year's celebration, similar to the red envelopes or THR (Tunjangan Hari Raya) given in Indonesia.

Rooted in ancient Japanese traditions where people offered food to the gods, this practice evolved over time into the giving of money as a way to strengthen intergenerational bonds and teach children financial values.

 

The seven facts above are just a small part of the beauty of New Year celebrations in Japan. Different countries also have their own unique traditions. What about the New Year traditions in your home country?