Happy New Years from Kyoto! I’m exploring the ancient city with my family who is here for the first time and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to teach you a bunch of words and concepts relating to New Years. Anyone studying Japanese will find these words extremely useful for understanding the culture of Japan.
Prepping for the new Year – 年賀状 Nengajou
Nengajou, or New Year’s cards are seasonal greetings that are an important part of New Year’s in Japan. Although the custom has become less essential with the spread of the internet and mobile messages in the last two decades, most old folk and many young people still send these cards to friends, coworkers, and relatives. Most young people I’ve talked to send between 20-30 and some older people will send upwards of 50-100, basically to everyone they know.
お正月 Oshougatsu
New Years Eve, or Oshougatsu, is basically a family day in Japan. The trains are packed for the days leading to New Years Eve because a majority of people are heading back to their hometown. Tokyo Station was packed but there were enough Shinkansen (Bullet trains) that we managed to snatch 3 seats. Many people will eat soba noodles for dinner. Soba symbolize longevity and means good luck for the new year. Unlike in the west, most people stay home with their families on New Years. Many of them will watch special television programs while eating (and in some families drinking) together.
初詣 Hatsumoude
Hatsumoude is the years first visit to a temple. Although the religious meaning of this tradition has faded among most Japanese, they do like protecting their traditions and almost all will visit a temple within the first 3 days of the new year, many going right after midnight. This usually involves standing on a long line making a quick prayer and throwing some coins in for donations to the temple. Many temples will have festivals with lots of food stands as well.
The morning after – おおみそか Oomisoka
The first day of the year is a feast! Families will wake up and prepare Osechi (New Year’s food). Osechi is composed of a huge variety of small dishes. Some of these dishes are commonly found in bento and many of them are only eaten on New Years. Traditionally, each of these foods have a symbolic meaning though the meaning has been lost among most. Some families choose to cook this food on their own and others will buy expensive sets from department stores (I see many sets going for 30,000 yen, about 350 dollars!). The rest of the day (or more like the next 3 days) is spent either relaxing with family or those who didn’t do it the night before will make a stop at the nearest temple.
Although countdown parties are becoming more popular, the holiday is basically a time for family to relax, eat a lot, and enjoy time together. The following days are also a chance for people to see their hometown friends. If you have the chance to experience New Years in Japan, consider yourself lucky, it is one of the most enjoyable times of the year.
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