New Year’s Day in Japan
New Year’s Day is a holiday in Japan.
When is New Year’s Day in Japan
New Year’s Day is celebrated on 01, January, 2023 in Japan.
About New Year’s Day in Japan
New Year’s Day, or “Shogatsu,” is one of the most important holidays in Japan. It is celebrated on January 1st and is a time for families to come together and reflect on the past year while looking forward to the new one.
Leading up to New Year’s Day, many Japanese families clean their homes and prepare special foods for the holiday. One traditional food is “osechi,” which is a selection of small, colorful dishes that are meant to symbolize good luck and prosperity for the new year.
On New Year’s Eve, many Japanese people visit temples or shrines to pray for good fortune in the coming year. At midnight, many people watch the first sunrise of the year, which is believed to bring good luck.
On New Year’s Day itself, many businesses and shops are closed, and people spend the day with their families. It is also common to visit friends and relatives and exchange gifts. Some people also participate in traditional activities, such as playing games or writing wishes for the new year on small wooden plaques called “ema.”
Overall, New Year’s Day is a time of reflection, celebration, and hope for the future in Japan.
History of New Year’s Day in Japan
New Year’s Day, or “Shogatsu,” is one of the most important traditional holidays in Japan. The holiday has been celebrated for centuries and has evolved over time.
The origins of the New Year’s Day holiday in Japan can be traced back to the Chinese New Year, which was introduced to Japan in the 8th century. At that time, the holiday was celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually fell in late January or early February.
In the 19th century, Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar, which moved the New Year’s Day holiday to January 1st. However, many traditional customs and rituals associated with the holiday remained the same.
One of the most important customs of New Year’s Day in Japan is the practice of “hatsumode,” which is the first shrine visit of the year. People visit local shrines and temples to pray for good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Another important tradition is the preparation and eating of “osechi,” a special New Year’s Day meal consisting of various dishes that are believed to bring good fortune. The meal is usually prepared in advance and eaten over several days.
In addition to these customs, New Year’s Day in Japan is also a time for families to gather and spend time together. Many businesses and schools are closed for several days, allowing people to take a break from their daily routines and enjoy the holiday.
Overall, the New Year’s Day holiday in Japan is a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration of traditions.
How is New Year’s Day celebrated in Japan
New Year’s Day, or “Shogatsu,” is one of the most important holidays in Japan. Here are some ways it is celebrated:
-
Visiting shrines and temples: Many Japanese people visit a shrine or temple on New Year’s Day to pray for good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.
-
Eating traditional foods: There are several traditional foods that are eaten on New Year’s Day in Japan, including “osechi,” a special assortment of dishes that are typically served in stacked boxes.
-
Sending New Year’s cards: Japanese people often send New Year’s cards, or “nengajo,” to friends and family to wish them a happy and prosperous new year.
-
Watching the first sunrise: Many people in Japan watch the first sunrise of the new year, which is believed to bring good luck.
-
Cleaning the house: Before New Year’s Day, it is traditional to clean the house thoroughly to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year.
-
Giving money to children: On New Year’s Day, it is customary to give children “otoshidama,” small envelopes containing money as a gift.
Dates
New Year’s Day will be celebrated in Japan on 2023-01-01, 2024-01-01, 2025-01-01, 2026-01-01, 2027-01-01 in the comming years.
