
Intro There are many ways to celebrate the new year but one of the popular things to do is to eat new year food. Just as the Korean people have rice cake soup and the Mexican people tamales, the Japanese people enjoy soba noodles, Osechi (おせち), and Ozoni (お雑煮) as their traditional New Year food.…

Introduction Showing appreciation to the people around at year-end and celebrating the new year is a universal theme all around the world, but every culture has a different way of doing it. We are discovering how the Japanese people finish off the passing year and welcome the new, and we discussed their habit of sending…

Introduction Japan, a nation rich in cultural traditions, welcomes the New Year with a unique and cherished practice known as 年賀状, pronounced as “Nengajo.” This tradition involves sending and receiving New Year’s greeting cards, each carefully crafted to convey well-wishes and share the joy of the season. About Nengajo The tradition of New Year’s cards…

Introduction As we step into a new year, Japan welcomes the dawn of fresh opportunities and vibrant traditions. One such tradition that holds immense cultural significance is 初売り (hatsu-uri), or “First Sale.” This age-old practice marks the beginning of the business year and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore…

As the clock strikes midnight, welcoming a new year is a global tradition celebrated with various customs and rituals. Across different cultures, the transition from one year to another is marked by unique practices that carry deep significance. In this article, we’ll delve into the captivating New Year traditions of Japan, focusing on the intriguing…

Introduction The arrival of the New Year in Japan is marked by a rich tapestry of traditions, and one that stands out prominently is the practice of drawing Omikuji. This unique custom, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, involves the drawing of paper fortunes at Shinto shrines. Let’s delve into the history, cultural significance, and even…