Introduction – The Spirit of Welcoming a New Year
In Japan, the New Year is not merely the first day on a new calendar.
It is a sacred period known as お正月（Oshōgatsu）, when people welcome 年神様（Toshigami-sama）, the deity believed to bring good fortune and prosperity for the coming year.
Traditionally, families prepare their homes and hearts to receive this divine guest, expressing gratitude for the past year and praying for peace and abundance in the year ahead.
Rather than simply “starting” a new year, the Japanese view it as “welcoming” a new cycle of life.
Before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in the Meiji era, New Year’s celebrations followed the lunar calendar. Yet, the spiritual meaning of the holiday has endured.
Even today, the New Year season carries a sense of renewal and reverence that sets it apart from ordinary time.
Cities and towns across Japan transform with banners reading 新春（Shinshun, “New Spring”） or 迎春（Geishun, “Welcoming Spring”）, and the media overflows with cheerful greetings.
For many Japanese, the first few days of January are a time to pause, breathe, and reset their minds for the coming year.
Preparations for the New Year – Inviting the God of Fortune
Preparations for お正月（Oshōgatsu） begin quietly in late December.
しめ縄（Shimenawa, sacred straw ropes） and 門松（Kadomatsu, pine and bamboo arrangements） appear at doorways and shop entrances throughout the country.
These decorations serve as signs to guide the 年神様（Toshigami-sama） to each household.
Pine represents vitality that remains green through winter, while bamboo stands for growth and uprightness.
The braided しめ縄（Shimenawa） symbolizes a purified boundary that keeps away misfortune.
Another essential custom is the 年賀状（Nengajō, New Year’s greeting card）.
Long before text messages and emails, people exchanged handwritten greetings to express gratitude and maintain personal ties.
This practice evolved from the ancient custom of 年始回り（Nenshimawari, New Year visits）, when families personally greeted relatives and neighbors.
Even now, the Japanese postal service delivers millions of cards exactly on January 1 so that all greetings arrive together on the morning of the New Year.
Each card often features the year’s zodiac animal (干支, Eto) or the 初日の出（Hatsuhi no de, first sunrise）, with phrases such as 明けましておめでとうございます（Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu, “Happy New Year”）.
Receiving one still brings a quiet sense of warmth and belonging.
元日（Ganjitsu） and 元旦（Gantan） – The First Morning of the Year
In Japanese, 元日（Ganjitsu） refers to January 1 as a whole, while 元旦（Gantan） specifically means the morning of that day—from sunrise until noon.
When calendars or newspapers say “Gantan,” they emphasize the very first morning of the year, a moment of renewal and reflection.
On this morning, many people set out before dawn to watch the 初日の出（Hatsuhi no de, first sunrise）.
Whether on a mountain, a seaside cliff, or an observation deck overlooking the city, people quietly wait in the cold to see the golden sun rise above the horizon.
For centuries, the sun has been regarded as sacred, and this first sunrise is thought to embody the light of 年神様（Toshigami-sama）.
As the sky turns crimson and the first rays appear, people naturally clasp their hands in prayer, wishing for health and happiness in the year ahead.
A well-known proverb captures the spirit of this moment:
「一年の計は元旦にあり」(Ichinen no kei wa gantan ni ari) — “The year’s plan begins on New Year’s Day morning.”
It teaches that the way one spends the first morning will influence the rest of the year.
Starting the day with gratitude, calmness, and purpose is considered an auspicious beginning.
初詣（Hatsumōde） – The First Shrine Visit of the Year
During the first three days of January, millions of Japanese people visit shrines and temples for 初詣（Hatsumōde, the year’s first visit to a shrine）.
They bow, ring bells, and clap their hands to express thanks and make wishes for health, happiness, and success.
Major shrines such as 明治神宮（Meiji Jingū, Tokyo）, 伏見稲荷大社（Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto）, and 住吉大社（Sumiyoshi Taisha, Osaka） attract huge crowds every year.
Visitors follow the Shinto ritual of 二礼二拍手一礼（Nirei Nihakushu Ichirei, two bows, two claps, one bow） to communicate with the gods.
They also draw おみくじ（Omikuji, fortune slips）, buy お守り（Omamori, protective charms）, and often tie bad fortunes to tree branches in hopes of reversing their luck.
Despite the crowds, the air is calm and full of hope.
Even those who visit later to avoid congestion share the same feeling of renewal.
Along the approach to shrines, food stalls sell 甘酒（Amazake, sweet rice sake） and hot snacks like たこ焼き（Takoyaki） or たい焼き（Taiyaki）, adding a cheerful touch to the winter air.
The mix of spirituality and festivity makes 初詣（Hatsumōde） one of Japan’s most beloved New Year traditions.
To explore 初詣（Hatsumōde）in detail—see our full article.
おせち料理（Osechi Ryōri） – The Meaning Within the New Year Feast
No Japanese New Year is complete without おせち料理（Osechi Ryōri, traditional New Year cuisine）, beautifully arranged in lacquered boxes called 重箱（Jūbako）.
Each dish carries a symbolic meaning reflecting prayers for prosperity, happiness, and long life.
For example:
- 黒豆（Kuromame, black soybeans） – Eaten to wish for diligence and good health throughout the year.
- 数の子（Kazunoko, herring roe） – The tiny eggs symbolize prosperity and many descendants.
- 田作り（Tazukuri, dried baby sardines cooked in soy sauce） – Represents a rich harvest, as sardines were once used to fertilize rice fields.
- 海老（Ebi, shrimp or prawn） – Signifies longevity; its curved back evokes the image of old age and wisdom.
- 昆布巻き（Kobumaki, rolled kelp with fish or vegetables inside） – Stands for joy, since kobu sounds like yorokobu (“to be happy”).
Originally, おせち料理（Osechi Ryōri） was prepared as an offering to the gods.
Families later shared the food, believing that by eating the same sacred meal, they would receive divine blessings.
Today, osechi appears in many forms—traditional Japanese, Western-style, or even Chinese-inspired versions.
Some households order elaborate osechi from famous restaurants, while others enjoy cooking homemade dishes together.
Regardless of form, the heart of osechi lies in gratitude, togetherness, and the wish for a fruitful year.
干支（Eto） – The Zodiac and New Year’s Imagery
One of the most recognizable symbols of お正月（Oshōgatsu） is the 干支（Eto, zodiac animals）.
The twelve signs—子（Nezumi, Rat）, 丑（Ushi, Ox）, 寅（Tora, Tiger）, 卯（Usagi, Rabbit）, 辰（Tatsu, Dragon）, 巳（Mi, Snake）, 午（Uma, Horse）, 未（Hitsuji, Sheep）, 申（Saru, Monkey）, 酉（Tori, Rooster）, 戌（Inu, Dog）, and 亥（Inoshishi, Boar）—rotate every twelve years.
Each year’s animal symbolizes distinct traits and is thought to influence people’s fortunes.
When January comes, the zodiac animal appears everywhere: on store signs, decorations, and 年賀状（Nengajō, New Year cards）.
Shops and post offices sell cards featuring the year’s animal, and shrines display matching 絵馬（Ema, votive plaques）.
Even in conversation, people often ask, “What’s your zodiac sign?” or “It’s the Year of the Dragon, isn’t it?”
The 干支（Eto） reminds people of the cycle of time and connects the modern calendar to nature’s rhythm.
It serves as a “spiritual calendar,” helping people feel the continuity between past and future.
お年玉（Otoshidama） – Gifts and Generations
For children, the highlight of the season is お年玉（Otoshidama, New Year’s gift money）.
Adults give small envelopes of money called ポチ袋（Pochibukuro）, continuing a tradition that originated from 御年玉（Otoshi-dama Mochi）, rice cakes once offered to the gods and shared afterward.
Thus, otoshidama represents not only a gift of money but also the passing of blessings from one generation to the next.
When giving お年玉（Otoshidama）, adults often say, “Use it wisely,” or “Do your best this year.”
Such words convey affection and encouragement.
Families gather, share おせち料理（Osechi Ryōri）, and talk about memories and hopes for the coming year.
Children laugh and play, and grandparents smile with pride.
This exchange of gifts and time strengthens family bonds and symbolizes continuity between generations.
The Modern New Year – Changing Times, Enduring Heart
As times change, the image of お正月（Oshōgatsu） has also evolved.
In earlier decades, almost every store closed during the first three days of January, and the streets were silent.
Today, convenience stores, trains, and department stores operate as usual, and crowds gather for 初売り（Hatsuuri, first sales） and 福袋（Fukubukuro, lucky bags）.
Urban centers are filled with excitement, while others choose to spend the day quietly at home.
Some people still start their day with 初詣（Hatsumōde）, then relax at home watching 駅伝（Ekiden, long-distance relay races）, comedy shows, or New Year’s concerts.
The mix of lively modernity and peaceful reflection defines Japan’s contemporary New Year.
Even as customs change, the sense of beginning anew remains deeply rooted.
Outside Japan, Japanese communities continue to share this culture.
In cities like Los Angeles, Paris, Sydney, and Bangkok, groups hold 餅つき大会（Mochitsuki Taikai, mochi-pounding festivals） and 書き初め（Kakizome, first calligraphy of the year） events.
Social media spreads hashtags like #初詣（#Hatsumode） and #おせち（#Osechi）, introducing Japanese New Year traditions to audiences around the world.
Oshōgatsu has become not only a Japanese custom but a celebration of renewal recognized globally.
The Meaning of お正月（Oshōgatsu） – A Pause for the Heart
お正月（Oshōgatsu） is more than a holiday; it is a spiritual pause that allows people to reconnect with gratitude and reflection.
Watching the 初日の出（Hatsuhi no de） reminds people of nature’s greatness.
Praying at a shrine revives humility and gratitude toward others.
Sharing おせち料理（Osechi Ryōri） reaffirms family ties and the importance of simple joys.
In the fast pace of modern life, the calm days of お正月（Oshōgatsu） offer a rare chance to breathe, review the past, and look forward with hope.
Writing 年賀状（Nengajō）, tidying one’s home, or saying “thank you” may seem small, yet they represent acts of renewal.
This quiet balance of stillness and celebration is what gives Oshōgatsu its enduring beauty.
Conclusion – Tradition That Illuminates the Future
お正月（Oshōgatsu） bridges the past and the future.
Though customs change, the core idea of welcoming a new year with gratitude and sincerity remains constant.
People greet the 初日の出（Hatsuhi no de）, visit shrines, share meals, and exchange gifts—all expressions of connection between people and the divine.
To welcome a new year is to let go of the past and step into possibility.
It is a moment of rebirth, a time to begin again with purpose.
In an age of rapid change, this quiet strength of tradition feels more precious than ever.
お正月（Oshōgatsu） reminds us that renewal is not about chasing novelty, but about returning to essentials: gratitude, family, and the awareness of time’s flow.
Each year, as the first sun rises and voices exchange 「明けましておめでとう」(Akemashite omedetō, “Happy New Year”), the gentle light of this tradition continues to shine—softly, yet unmistakably—guiding Japan and all who celebrate it toward a hopeful beginning.