The Oshougatsu (お正月) is one of the most important celebrations in Japan, marking the arrival of the new year. Traditionally, the New Year in Japan is a time for families to come together, honor their ancestors, and celebrate renewal. For students of Japanese, understanding the significance of Oshougatsu is a great opportunity to learn about Japanese culture while expanding vocabulary. Let’s explore some of the special traditions that take place during Oshougatsu.
Useful Phrase:
お正月は日本の一番大切な行事です。
(Oshougatsu wa Nihon no ichiban taisetsu na gyouji desu.)
“New Year is the most important event in Japan.”
Preparations for Oshougatsu: New Year Decorations
Before Oshougatsu arrives, many homes in Japan are decorated with traditional items like the Kadomatsu (門松) and Kagami mochi (鏡餅). The Kadomatsu is a decoration made with bamboo and pine, placed at the entrance to welcome the New Year’s gods. The Kagami mochi, a traditional mochi (餅) dish, symbolizes family unity and is placed on altars or celebration tables. You can see these decorations everywhere in Japan.
Additionally, many Japanese people start the year by purchasing fukubukuro (福袋), famous “mystery bags” containing various products. The fukubukuro tradition represents a chance for good luck in the new year. Some stores even offer special discounts and gifts during New Year, attracting eager shoppers.
Useful Phrase:
門松は新年を迎えるための飾りです。
(Kadomatsu wa shinnen o mukaeru tame no kazari desu.)
“Kadomatsu is a decoration to welcome the New Year.”
The First Prayer of the Year: Hatsumoude
One of the most significant traditions during Oshougatsu is Hatsumoude (初詣), the first visit to a shrine or temple of the year. During Hatsumoude, Japanese people visit temples to pray for health, happiness, and prosperity in the new year. Many people also purchase omamori (お守り), protective charms that bring good luck.
At the shrine, it’s common to see people bowing and clapping while making their prayers. Hatsumoude is a time for reflection and spiritual renewal, and the peacefulness of the temples during Oshougatsu offers a unique experience for visitors traveling in Japan at this time.
Useful Phrase:
初詣ではお願い事をします。
(Hatsumoude de wa onegaigoto o shimasu.)
“During Hatsumoude, we make our New Year’s wishes.”
Gift Giving: Otoshidama and Nengajou
During Oshougatsu, there’s also the practice of Otoshidama (お年玉), where money is given to children as a New Year’s gift. Otoshidama is a way to send luck and good wishes for the year ahead, and children eagerly await this moment. For Japanese language students, this word is an interesting example of how the Japanese language has unique vocabulary for specific celebrations and customs.
In addition, many Japanese exchange Nengajou (年賀状), traditional New Year’s cards that serve to welcome the new year and send best wishes. Families and friends write messages to those they can’t see often, keeping a strong connection during the New Year period.
Useful Phrase:
お年玉は子供たちに渡されます。
(Otoshidama wa kodomotachi ni watasaremasu.)
“Otoshidama is given to children.”
Traditional New Year Foods: Osechi-Ryori and Toshikoshi Soba
During Oshougatsu, families prepare and eat osechi-ryori (おせち料理), a special meal consisting of various dishes, each with symbolic meaning. Osechi-ryori includes foods like kuromame (黒豆), black beans that symbolize health, and kazunoko (数の子), herring roe that represents fertility and growth.
A staple dish on New Year’s Eve is Toshikoshi soba (年越し蕎麦), a soba noodle soup eaten before midnight to symbolize the farewell to the difficulties of the past year and a fresh start. This dish is so popular that even those who don’t follow all other traditions usually enjoy it.
Useful Phrase:
年越し蕎麦は大晦日に食べます。
(Toshikoshi soba wa oomisaka ni tabemasu.)
“We eat Toshikoshi soba on New Year’s Eve.”
Learning Japanese with Oshougatsu Traditions
Studying Oshougatsu is an excellent opportunity to expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of Japanese culture. The words and expressions you learn here not only aid in language learning but also provide a richer insight into the cultural practices that define Japan.
Now that you’ve learned a bit more about Oshougatsu, why not continue your Japanese language journey by exploring more traditions, words, and expressions? By understanding the significance of each detail in Oshougatsu, you can connect more deeply with Japanese culture and improve your language skills!
Useful Phrase:
お正月の習慣を学ぶことは日本語を学ぶ素晴らしい方法です。
(Oshougatsu no shuukan o manabu koto wa nihongo o manabu subarashii houhou desu.)
“Learning about Oshougatsu traditions is a wonderful way to learn Japanese.”
Let’s Celebrate Together!
Did you enjoy learning about Oshougatsu and Japanese New Year traditions? Keep exploring the culture and language of Japan with us. Leave a comment below and share your own experiences and curiosities about New Year. Let’s learn together and celebrate Japanese traditions!
Explore More About Japanese Culture
Want to dive deeper into Japan’s unique traditions and practice your Japanese?
- 💬 Share your thoughts on how the New Year is celebrated in Japan in the comments below!
🗾✨ Follow us on social media for creative and fun Japanese language and culture learning tips! -> Instagram @creativejapanese
Content created with creative direction and critical editing by Mauricio Kanno.
Supported by the virtual assistant ChatGPT from OpenAI for research, idea production, and refinement.
