Traditions of Japanese New Year Day (お正月)

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Unlike many of its neighboring countries, Japan celebrates the New Year Day on January 1 according to the Gregorian calendar. Japanese New Year, known as 正月 (shogatsu)” is a major celebration filled with unique traditions and cultural significance. It marks not only the beginning of the calendar year but also a time for renewal and family gatherings (very similar to Americans’ Thanksgiving and Chinese 春运 (Chunyun)).

One of the most common phrases exchanged on the New Year Day is あけましておめでとうございます “akemashite omedetou gozaimasu), which is translated as “Happy New Year.” Before the New Year Day, 良いお年を “yoi otoshi ō” to wish others a good year ahead.

Preparations for the New Year often begin in December with 大掃除 “ōsoji,” a thorough house cleaning to welcome the New Year with freshness and cleanliness. On New Year’s Eve, many participate in 除夜の鐘 “joya no kane,” where temple bells ring 108 times to symbolize the cleansing of 108 worldly desires in Buddhism/Hinduism.

On New Year’s Day, families enjoy a special meal called お節料理 “osechi ryori,” which consists of various traditional and symbolic dishes like black beans for health and sweet chestnut for success. もち “mochi” rice cakes, particularly in the form of 鏡餅 “kagami mochi,” are also central to celebrations.

Children often receive gifts of money known as お年玉 “otoshidama”. Visiting shrines for 初詣 “hatsumode,” the year’s first shrine visit, is another significant tradition, where families pray for health, happiness, and prosperity.

Below is the list of Begin Japanology/Japanology Plus episodes related to the Japanese New Year traditions.