Gallery
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
The Japanese New Year (正月, Shōgatsu) is an annual festival that takes place in Japan. Since 1873, the official Japanese New Year has been celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar, on January 1 of each year, New Year's Day (元日, Ganjitsu). Shogatsu, the New Year’s celebration, is a particularly special time among the various annual events in Japan. For this issue, we interviewed Professor SHINTANI Takanori, a folklorist and expert on ancient Japanese culture, about the origins and underlying sentiments associated with the unique customs and features of the Japanese New Year. By the time you count the 108th peal, you are ready to start the new year refreshed without anything troubling your mind -- in theory. Toshikoshi-soba (年越し蕎麦) The tradition of eating soba (Japanese noodles) on New Year’s Eve is said to have become common during the Edo era (1603-1868). Learn about the history and significance of the Japanese New Year, the most important traditional holiday in Japan. Discover how people prepare, celebrate, and welcome the New Year's god with various rituals and foods. Shōgatsu, public holiday observed in Japan on January 1–3 (though celebrations sometimes last for the entire week), marking the beginning of a new calendar year. On the eve of the new year, temple bells ring 108 times: 8 times to ring out the old year and 100 times to usher in the new year. Learn how Japan celebrates Oshogatsu, the New Year period, with ancient rituals and customs. From osoji to hatsumode, discover the origins and meanings of these traditions and how they have changed over time. Shōgatsu, or New Year, is Japan’s most important holiday, combining traditions and customs expressing gratitude for the past year and ensuring health and prosperity in the months ahead. Many Learn about the history and customs of New Year (shogatsu), the most important holiday in Japan. Find out how to celebrate, what to eat, where to go and what to avoid during this festive season. Japan’s New Year tradition has its origins in China, whose kanji writing system, Confucian philosophy, Buddhist religion, and a core of legal and ethical codes heavily influenced neighboring New Year’s celebrations in Japan are filled with tradition. These traditions begin during the initial build-up to New Year’s Eve and through into New Year’s Day. Here we’ll explain some of Japan’s New Year traditions, beginning with those that take place in the run-up to New Year’s Day. How do you say happy new year in Japanese is Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu and the Japanese new year greetings is (あけましておめでとうございま).Japan is the best place to celebrate new year because Japanese new year traditions are the best display of their love for this time of year. The Japanese New Year (正月, Shōgatsu) is an annual festival that takes place in Japan.Since 1873, the official Japanese New Year has been celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar, on January 1 of each year, New Year's Day (元日, Ganjitsu). 正月 Shogatsu: Celebrating the Japanese New Year. 正月 Shogatsu, the Japanese New Year, is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in Japan. Observed from January 1st to January 3rd, the holiday is steeped in centuries-old traditions, cultural practices, and meaningful customs. 2. Historical Context of Shinto New Year Celebrations. The origins of New Year rituals in Shinto can be traced back to ancient agricultural practices and seasonal celebrations. The New Year was traditionally seen as a time to celebrate the harvest and honor the deities that provided sustenance. Known as "Oshogatsu," the Japanese New Year is not just a single day of festivities but a blend of rituals, culinary delights, and practices steeped in centuries-old customs. In this article, we explore the unique ways Japan welcomes the New Year, offering insights into its rich cultural tapestry that continues to fascinate the world. Japanese New Year is more than just a holiday; it’s a cultural tapestry woven with ancient traditions and modern celebrations. It’s a time to connect with loved ones, express gratitude, and embrace the promise of a fresh start. As the bells toll at midnight, marking the arrival of the new year, a sense of joy and anticipation fills the air. The Japanese New Year is one of the most important events in Japan with long-standing traditions and a lesson in history itself. This all-important annual event also contains people’s wishes for a happy and good new year. One of the more traditional New Year’s customs is Hatsumode or the first shrine visit of the New Year. Many people go to visit a shrine on January 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, in order to pay their respects and also to wish for a happy and healthy year. The second is Japanese enjoy New Year by having Osechi Ryori. Unlike osechi ryо̄ri, this food is meant to be eaten on New Year’s Eve—or о̄mimsoka (大晦日)—for good luck. According to one 2023 survey, nearly 80% of people in Japan had toshikoshi soba on New Year’s Eve! Japanese soba is a noodle made of buckwheat, which is a type of seed rather than a grain like wheat. The plant is hardy and As a guide to how big a job that is, for the 2021 new year, the post office issued 1.94 billion nengajo, and many more self-made new year’s cards will also be sent. For the 2023 new year, according to NHK World, Japan Post has prepared 1.65 billion cards. That compares with a peak of around 3.7 billion cards in 1997.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.