For this year's New Year, Oddie and I decided to take a daytime trip to Japan! This idea came from seeing Sakka Studio’s traditional Tiny Japanese Furisode Kimono, shown here on Toddleedoo Kid.
Seeing this lit a little light in me and inspired me to sit down and read about some of Japan’s New Year, or shogatsu, customs and traditions. And what an enlightening time I had doing so! I thought I’d share below some of the things I learned with you guys.
Please keep in mind that I do not come from Japanese culture, and that the information I am sharing was gathered from various sources, shared out of genuine interest and appreciation. If I get something wrong, please do teach me. If you find you'd like to learn more, I do include the links I used, and I encourage you to read on! 
Pine and Bamboo Decorations and Home Cleaning
During the few weeks of time when families are home from both school and work, the home is prepared by performing an annual deep-clean to create a welcoming space for friendly spirits. After the cleanse, the home is adorned with traditional decorations of Pine for longevity and Bamboo for prosperity. The entrance of the home in particular may have two Kadomatsu (gate pines), one on each side, to signal to spirits that they are welcome there.
Yearly Greetings Postcard (nengajou) and Chinese Zodiac Animal
I really loved learning about this tradition- In Japan, it is common to send a yearly greetings card to family that you don't generally see, so that they can know how you are doing in health and in life. There are some exceptions, such as, if there is a death in the family, a family member will send out a notice to other extended family to please not send in their nengajou as a sign of respect for the death. They will, however, still ask for their continued kindness into the New Year.
These cards are usually decorated with the New Year's Zodiac. While the zodiac's origins are Chinese, it is wholeheartedly accepted into Japanese culture, if not with its own differences. In 2022, the new Zodiac will be the Tiger of the Water elemental branch.
Traditionally, these postcards are sent in by mail. They are also delivered exactly on the first day of the year- to do so, post offices will hire local students to help with the deliveries. While it is still common to send the cards in by mail, it is slowly becoming more acceptable to send them electronically, particularly within the younger generation.
New Year's Eve Bells
On New Year's Eve, or Omisoka, the Buddhist Temples of Japan will ring their bell 108 times. It is believed that there are 108 worldly desires in the world, and by ringing the clear, deep tone reminiscent to the Buddha's voice, it is said that each desire will be struck out of the New Year. Smaller temples may allow the community to contribute in ringing the bell 108 times, but other, much larger temples may have extravagantly huge bells that are rung by a group of carefully trained monks.
New Year’s Traditional Dress, depicted- Furisode Kimonos
On New Year’s, formal dress is expected, particularly formal kimonos for both men and women. The gorgeous robes and colors Oddie and I are wearing are commonly worn on New Year’s, as well as for other special occasions. I chose to wear orange as it is the year of the Tiger!
These “furisode” are a type of formal kimono traditionally worn by single, young women, though nowadays it is not as surprising for young, married women to don it as well. The furisode is named literally for its long, draping sleeves, with “furi” meaning “swinging” and “sode” meaning “sleeve.”
First Temple or Shrine Visit- Hatsumoude
While it is traditional to visit a shrine on the very first day of the year, a large population has made it common for the people of Japan to visit anytime during the first three to seven days. Aside from typical shrine or temple procedures, a new year’s visit would also involve acquiring new charms and burning old ones, writing your new year's wishes on a wooden plaque, and drawing your yearly fortune.
Foods
In the time preceding New Year's Day, special food called Osechi-ryōri. These are usually dry or vinegary foods that can keep well for many days, so that cooking does not need to be done during the first three days of the New Year. The foods are put into special, beautiful boxes called jūbako, that separate the foods and stack up like Bento boxes. The different osechi may have a special meaning or wish behind them, and the significance of them can change by region.
During the last hour of the night of New Year's Eve, it is common for friends and family to eat a bowl of toshi-koshi soba together. The word toshi-koshi itself means "yearly-crossing," as the long noodle is supposed to represent long life and carry you from one year into the next. There are other beliefs surrounding the toshi-koshi soba, such as its ability to be easily cut should represent our ability to easily cut problems or heartaches in the New Year. Buckwheat, of which Soba is made, is also a very durable plant, and is praised for its endurance.
The dish itself is very simple to make, so it is also generally found to be a break from preparing the more elaborate dishes made for the New Year.
Modern Traditions
I thought I should also mention the more modern traditions that exist in Japan today. In particular, there is an over four-hours long televised singing contest called the "Red-White Song Battle" or kohaku uta gassen, that is watched at home on New Year's Eve. The performers consist of many popular J-pop or enka singers, but are split between the female "red" team and the male "white" team. These performances are considered spectacular, as it is a highly anticipated yearly event, and at the end, either the Red or White team wins.
It is also common to watch many Marital Arts performances on TV as well, while one is relaxing at home.
I hope you enjoyed this little look into Japanese New Year's traditions! It was so fun to look at so many of them. Wherever, and however, it is that you celebrate, I wish you a happy New Year full of happiness and health!
Much Love,
Emi ❤
The Sauces
https://kimono-wasabi.com/
https://www.thoughtco.com/
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2064.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_New_Year
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadomatsu
https://www.jikei.asia/com/en/schoollife/event_oomisoka.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Cmisoka
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osechi
https://guidable.co/culture/all-you-need-to-know-about-nhks-kohaku-uta-gassen/