Like most festive seasons in Japan, it is highly structured and there are many things to do. From around 29 December to 3 January, most people are off work and they stay at home with their families. Many Japanese also take the opportunity to travel, both inside and outside Japan, and it’s a busy time for trains, buses and flights. Accommodations are packed and often put up their prices quite dramatically.
Here I will talk about the main events over O-shogatsu.

Preparing for Osechi (New Years Cuisine) and relaxing

The mother of the house is busy preparing a collection of special New Years dishes called Osechi. The children usually help the mother prepare, while the other family members gather around the TV to watch special New Years television programs. A popular show to watch is the Kōhaku Uta Gassen 紅白歌合戦 (Red and White) a music program where two teams made of popular musicians (the red and white) compete to see who can put on a better show. It is considered a great honour for a musician to be on this show.

Ringing of the bells Joya-no-kane

Joya-no-kane at Chion temple in Kyoto

At the stroke of midnight the ringing of the bells called Joya-no-kane begins. This is a buddhist tradition and is held each year at Buddhist temples. The bells are rung 108 times, because in Buddhism it is believed that humans have 108 sins or desires. By ringing the bell we are relieved of all these sins and purified for a fresh new year.

Eating toshi koshi soba

At the stroke of midnight, or in some regions of Japan right before the stroke of midnight, Toshi-koshi soba (year crossing noodles) is eaten.

There a two popular beliefs as to why in Japan soba – buckwheat noodles – are eaten. First, because Soba is easy to bite it will let us forget and prevent any crossing over of hardship or disaster that occurred during the year. Secondly, because soba noodles are very long eating it brings us long lasting fortune, happiness and longevity.

The First day of the year

The first sunrise of the year Hatsu-hinode and first visit to the shrine Hatsu-moude

Waking up early, people either go up mountains or visit shrines or temples to watch the first sunrise. While watching the sun rise, people pray for a good year and health.
After soaking up the first sunlight of the year, families visit the shrine or temple to pay respects to the gods and to pray for a happy and prosperous year.

New Years Cuisine Ozoni and Osechi

After returning home from the shrine or temple we return home to eat Ozoni, a hot soup. The flavoring of the soup may vary according to each family and the region; it usually has vegetables like radish, carrots and a cake made of pounded rice called mochi.

With the o-zoni, the o-sechi is served, a new year cuisine consisting of of 20 – 30 items, in a lacquered box with three layers. The items all hold special meaning, such as good health, feritily, longevity and happiness..

After the meal children are given money called otoshidama from their relatives, family and neighbours.

Usually the first day is for relaxing spending time with the family, on the second day new years resolutions are written and shared, followed by new year greetings to family and friends.

Omamori, (the word itself means “to protect,”) is a Japanese amulet dedicated to Shinto and Buddhist gods. There are various kinds of Omamoris, each one bought for a specific purpose.

Usually covered in traditional Japanese kimono cloth, inside is either a piece of cardboard, or paper with a prayer printed on it.

Many children are tempted to open the Omamori since to find out what is inside, curious to know what could be the source of the power it provides. However opening one is considered a big taboo, and once it is opened the power is lost.

Modern day Omamoris are often commercialized and animated ones with stitches of characters like Mickey and Hello Kitty are very popular amongst the younger generation. The Omamoris are usually kept close to its owner. It can be used like a key chain, tied onto a bag, and small ones can be used as mobile/cell phone straps. Drivers often keep their Omamoris on their rear view mirrors for protection.

They also have an expiration date must also be renewed. Once a year has passed it must be brought to a temple or shrine and be burned. However many people continue to keep their Omamori past a year.

Here are some Omamori a typical Japanese girl would encounter through her life:

1. Omamori for children

A popular Omamari for children keeps the evil away from the children such as accidents, getting hurt or sick. It is usually a small replica of the school bags used by elementary children.

2. Omamori for academic success

Getting into a good school is very important for Japanese children and their parents, to enter into prestigious school they will have to pass the entrance examination. Before their exams they will buy Omomari that promises them to pass the test.

3. Omamori for love

As a girl grows up she will be interested in finding a date. This Omamori promises sucess in finding a perfect partner and a happy relationship.

4. Omamori for safe delivery

This will protect the child and the mother from evil and promise a safe delivery.

Omamoris are part of a tradition which dates back to ancient times. You can also buy Omamori to keep you safe and accompany you on your travels in Japan and elsewhere!