Japanese New Year

Chopsticks NY published a wonderful piece on New Year’s customs in Japan.

The holiday is described as a catharsis or cleanse of the past year’s activities. People engage in cleaning activities, home decoration, special cooking, shopping and tying up loose-ends at work and with friends and family. Upon completion of these customary tasks, the new year is brought in quietly at midnight with traditional music.

“People usually spend the early morning of New Year’s Day with family, eating Osechi Ryouri, a special celebration food, and drinking O-toso, a special sake with herbs. People receive Nenga-Jo, New Year’s postcards, and kids are given Otoshidama, celebration money.”

The celebration is quite unique in comparison with the energetic, lively parties and festivals that are traditional in other parts of the world! Check out the full article for colorful illustrations of all the various aspects of the holiday.