Celebrating the New Year in Japan with Family

🎉New Year's traditions vary from country to country, and in Japan, it is a time for family gatherings and special customs.

🍱A traditional New Year's dinner in Japan consists of multiple dishes, including grilled Yellow Tail, vinegared octopus, and sashimi.

🏮Hatsumode is a popular New Year's visit to Shinto shrines to pray for a prosperous year ahead.

🎎Japanese customs, such as drinking sacred sake and eating Toshi Koshi soba, are believed to bring good luck and longevity in the new year.

🥳Celebrating the New Year with loved ones is a cherished tradition that brings joy and unity.

What is hatsumode?

—Hatsumode is a Japanese tradition where people visit Shinto shrines during the first few days of the new year to pray for good fortune and make wishes.

What are some traditional New Year's dishes in Japan?

—Some traditional New Year's dishes in Japan include grilled Yellow Tail, vinegared octopus, chikuzenni (a broiled dish), kazunoko (Herring egg), egg pudding, and sashimi.

Why is Toshi Koshi soba eaten on New Year's Eve?

—Toshi Koshi soba, or New Year's Eve soba, is eaten in Japan to symbolize a smooth transition from the old year to the new year and to bring good luck and longevity.

What is the significance of drinking sacred sake on New Year's morning?

—Drinking sacred sake on New Year's morning is believed to bring good luck and cleanse the body and soul, as well as show appreciation to the gods.

Why is family important during New Year's celebrations in Japan?

—Family is considered a vital part of Japanese culture, and New Year's is a time for family gatherings, bonding, and creating precious memories together.

00:00Introduction: Join me as I celebrate the New Year in Japan with my Japanese wife and her family.

08:18New Year's Dinner: Experience a traditional New Year's dinner with dishes like grilled Yellow Tail, vinegared octopus, and sashimi.

12:05Hatsumode: Participate in the hatsumode at a local shrine, a popular New Year's tradition in Japan.

13:37Drinking Sacred Sake: Learn about the custom of drinking sacred sake on New Year's morning and its symbolic meaning.

14:30Toshi Koshi Soba: Discover the significance of eating Toshi Koshi soba, a traditional New Year's dish in Japan.

15:29Family Time: Share in the joy of spending quality time with family and creating special memories.