Japanese New Year Traditions Part 1

Japanese New Year Traditions (Part 1)

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Japanese New Year (お正月 oshougatsu) is one of the oldest and most celebrated holidays in all of Japan. Japanese people celebrate New Year’s from January 1st until January 3rd through a variety of unique traditions, customs, and festivals. During this time, millions of people travel to gather with family and visit local shrines and temples to participate in community events and celebrations.

In this article, we will explore and learn about four unique New Year’s traditions in Japan.

#1: Hatsumode

Hatsumode is the first visit to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple at the start of a new year. During this time, people pray for good luck for the coming year. This annual event occurs from January 1st through January 3rd with some of the most popular locations, such as Sensoji temple and Meiji Shrine, attracting millions of visitors. In addition to praying for good luck, people can enjoy a variety of activities and events, such as street food, traditional music, fortune telling, viewing rituals and more.

#2: Omikuji

Omikuji (“Sacred lottery”) is an annual tradition that occurs on New Years’ eve at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines across Japan. During this event, people can pay a small fee (usually 100-200 yen) to randomly draw a fortune slip to predict their luck for the coming year.

While there many different types of omikuji around Japan, the most basic and common omikuji comes in the form of a paper slip with some of the following fortunes: 大吉 (daikichi) [great blessing], 吉 (kichi) [blessing], 凶 (kyou) [misfortune], and 大凶 (daikyou) [great misfortune].

In some cases, omikuji may include more specific predictions about upcoming life events such as romantic relationships (恋愛 renai), travel (旅立ち tabidachi), changing location (転居 tenkyo), illness (病気 byouki) and more.

Some shrines and temples have their own unique versions of omikuji which include miniature figures in the shapes of animals, people, and other characters from Shinto/Buddhist mythology.

For example, at Sanboji temple in Kyoto, you can pay 300 yen to purchase a daruma doll with an omikuji fortune hidden inside. Daruma dolls are popular within Japan, and easily recognizable by their large eyes, black stripes, and their red, bulky appearance. Their design is based on the legendary Buddhist monk
Bodhidharma who is said to have meditated continuously for nine years while staring at a wall. Due to this, daruma dolls have come to symbolize perseverance and good luck in Japan.

When you visit a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple during New Years, you might notice hundreds or even thousands of paper slips tied to nearby trees, strings, or fences. These are omikuji with bad fortunes that people have previously drawn. It is common practice to tie down these omikuji to prevent bad luck from following you home. Should you draw a good fortune, you should keep it with you to attract good luck.

#3: Joya no Kane

Joya no kane or New Years’ Bell Ringing is a tradition practiced by Buddhist temples all around Japan that involves ringing the temple bell a total of 108 times on New Years’ eve. The number 108 comes from the Buddhist belief that there are 108 desires or emotions, such as greed, envy, anger, sadness, etc. Buddhists believe that attachment to these desires is the cause of human suffering in the world. The tolling of the bell symbolizes the cleansing of the soul and mind, so that desires will not follow us into the next year.

#4: Kadomatsu

Kadomatsu are traditional Japanese decorations that are displayed during the Japanese New Year from December 30th until January 7th. Kadomatsu commonly consists of pine and bamboo which have important symbolic meanings in Japan. In Japanese culture, pine trees represent longevity because they last for over 100 years. Since ancient times, Japanese believed that the gods resided in the pine trees. Meanwhile bamboo is considered a symbol of vitality because it grows straight towards the sky.

Kadomatsu can be found in front of many buildings including homes, apartment complexes, shrines, stores, and more. The kadomatsu invites the Toshigami (New Years’ God) to the home and serves as a yorishiro (temporary residence for gods), which is said to bring good fortune and blessings. After January 15th, the kadomatsu will be burned as a sign of respect to the gods and to release the Toshigami inside

In this article, we will explore and learn about four unique New Year’s traditions in Japan.