Japanese New Year, or Shogatsu (正月), is one of the most significant holidays in Japan, celebrated with a mix of traditional customs and family gatherings. Here’s a look at how and when the Japanese celebrate New Year:

When Do Japanese Celebrate New Year?

• Date: The Japanese celebrate New Year from January 1st to January 3rd. However, preparations begin several days before, and some of the celebrations continue into the first week of January.
• New Year’s Day: January 1st marks the most important day, and the celebrations peak on this day.

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How Do Japanese Celebrate New Year?

1. Oshogatsu Preparations (Pre-New Year):

• Cleaning the Home (Osoji): In late December, Japanese people clean their homes thoroughly to welcome the new year with a fresh start.
• Decorations: Homes are decorated with symbolic ornaments like kadomatsu (pine decorations) or shimekazari (sacred ropes), meant to welcome the Toshigami (New Year's deity) and bring good luck.
• New Year’s Cards (Nengajo): People send Nengajo, traditional New Year’s greeting cards, to friends, family, and colleagues.

2. First Shrine Visit (Hatsumode):

• Date: On January 1st, many Japanese people visit a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple to perform Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year).
• What Happens: People pray for good health, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead. Some people also buy omamori (amulets) for protection or omikuji (fortune slips).

3. Traditional Foods (Osechi Ryori):

• Osechi: This special New Year food is made up of multiple layers of ingredients, each symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and longevity. For example, kuromame (sweet black beans) represents good health, and kazunoko (herring roe) symbolizes fertility.
• Osechi Ryori is traditionally eaten from lacquer boxes, and each item in the box has a special meaning.
• Toshikoshi Soba: On New Year’s Eve (December 31st), families eat Toshikoshi Soba (buckwheat noodles) to symbolize the crossing over to a new year and to wish for longevity.

4. New Year’s Day Traditions:

• New Year’s Day Meal (Osechi): On January 1st, families gather to enjoy Osechi Ryori, often paired with ozoni (a soup with rice cakes).
• Money Gift (Otoshidama): Children receive otoshidama, small envelopes containing money, from parents, grandparents, and relatives.

5. Celebratory Activities:

• Hatsuhinode (First Sunrise): Many Japanese people wake up early to watch the first sunrise of the year, as it’s considered an auspicious moment to begin the year with hope and positivity.
• Watching the NHK New Year's Eve Program: A popular tradition is watching Kohaku Uta Gassen, a famous music show aired by NHK, which features top singers and performers.

6. Relaxed Family Time:

• Family Gatherings: New Year is a time for families to reunite. People often stay home or visit relatives, enjoying food, games, and spending quality time together.
• New Year’s Games (Toshiguruma): Playing traditional games like karuta (card games) or kitesurfing are common during the New Year period.

In addition to the common customs and traditions mentioned earlier, the Japanese celebrate the New Year with several special and unique activities that make the holiday distinctive. Here are some special things that Japanese people do to welcome the New Year:

1. Watch the First Sunrise (Hatsuhinode)

• Hatsuhinode refers to the tradition of watching the first sunrise of the year. It is believed that the first sunrise brings good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Many Japanese people travel to a scenic spot, such as the beach or a mountain, to witness this symbolic event.

2. New Year's Day Concerts and Performances

• On New Year’s Day, people often enjoy live performances on television or radio, such as Kohaku Uta Gassen, a prestigious music show aired by NHK (Japan's national broadcasting company). This show features popular artists and is a much-anticipated tradition.
• Traditional Noh or Kabuki theater performances may also take place in certain regions.

3. Shimenawa (Sacred Rope) and Kagami Mochi

• Shimenawa is a sacred straw rope placed at the entrance of homes or shrines, symbolizing the boundary between the sacred and the secular. It invites the Toshigami (New Year deity) to bless the home.
• Kagami Mochi, a stack of round rice cakes, is another symbol of New Year's celebration. It is often displayed in homes and represents the wish for the family’s prosperity and longevity. It is later eaten in a special soup called ozoni.

4. Decorate the Home with Kadomatsu

• Kadomatsu are traditional New Year’s decorations made from pine, bamboo, and sometimes plum branches. These decorations are placed at the entrance of homes to welcome the Toshigami and are believed to bring good luck.
• Pine represents longevity, bamboo symbolizes strength, and plum signifies resilience.

5. Sending New Year's Cards (Nengajo)

• Nengajo, New Year greeting cards, are sent out to friends, family, and colleagues. These cards feature designs related to the year’s zodiac animal, and they are typically sent so that they arrive on January 1st. The tradition is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and promotes good relationships and gratitude.

6. Making Mochi and Preparing Osechi Ryori

• Families gather to make mochi (pounded rice cakes) as part of their New Year's preparations. This is often done in a ceremonial way, and the mochi is later used in soups and other dishes.
• Osechi Ryori, the elaborate New Year’s feast, consists of various traditional foods, each with its own meaning and symbolism for the year ahead.

7. Give Otoshidama (New Year's Money)

• Children receive otoshidama, which are small envelopes filled with money given by parents, relatives, and family friends. This is a cherished tradition for children, and the amount of money often increases with age.

8. Participating in Joya no Kane (New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing)

• Joya no Kane is a tradition where Buddhist temples across Japan ring their bells 108 times on New Year’s Eve to symbolize the cleansing of 108 worldly desires (known as bonno). Many people visit temples at midnight to participate in this ritual and pray for the new year’s blessings.

9. Enjoying New Year's Entertainment

• Families and friends gather to enjoy traditional games and activities, such as karuta (a Japanese card game), takoyaki (octopus balls) cooking contests, or playing with kites (tako age). These activities are meant to bring fun and joy during the holiday season.

10. Playing Fukubukuro (Lucky Bags)

• Fukubukuro, or "lucky bags," are a popular New Year’s shopping tradition in Japan. Stores sell bags filled with a variety of items, but the contents are a mystery until the bag is opened. The excitement of not knowing what is inside and the idea of receiving a good deal make this a fun and symbolic tradition for many.

11. Toshigami (New Year’s God) Worship

• Toshigami is the deity that is believed to visit homes during the New Year, bringing blessings for the year ahead. Many families set out offerings for Toshigami, such as food and drink, to honor the deity and invite good fortune into their homes.

12. First Calligraphy of the Year (Kakizome)

• On January 2nd, it is a tradition for students and children to practice the first calligraphy of the year, known as Kakizome. It is believed that the first writing of the year sets the tone for one's skills and character throughout the year. The calligraphy often contains auspicious words or wishes for good fortune.

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Japanese New Year is a blend of religious and cultural practices, with a strong focus on family, reflection, and starting the year fresh. The celebrations include visiting shrines, enjoying symbolic foods, and participating in various traditional customs that reflect the hopes for prosperity and happiness in the new year.