On New Year’s Eve, Japanese eat soba noodles, Toshikoshi-soba, to wish for longevity. Many people watch the traditional TV show “Red & White Year-end Song Festival” by popular artists who had hit songs during the year. It is a tradition that started in 1951.
At the midnight, Temples ring the bells “Joya no Kane” 108 times. It’s said that the sound of the bells erases 108 desires to welcome the New Year with refreshed a feeling.
When the new year begins, some people go to top of a mountain and see the first sunrise. Most people visit shrines or temples during first 3 days of January. It’s called, Hatsumode, Japanese make wishes for the coming year and appreciate the past year.
Children look forward to get New Year’s gifts in the form of money called “Otoshidama” from parents, grandparents and relatives. There are many Japanese traditional recreations during the New Year’s holiday. For example, kite flying “Takoage”, battledore “hagoita”, spinning top “Koma mawashi” and card game like “Karuta” or “hyakuninissyu” like above picture.
Osechi and Ozoni are the traditional dishes for New Year. Osechi is an assortment of small dishes, all have a meaning to pray for good health and great harvest for the year. Ozoni is similar to miso soup, with rice cake and different tastes in each area like below picture.
Did you get image of Japanese New Year’s holiday?
Have a great New Year!