What's on New Year in Japan.

How is it going?  Are you enjoying New Year`s Eve??

 

 Today, I`ll let you foreigners know few things about Japan`s New Year. (written 31 Dec)

 

 1, oshogatsu お正月, this is how we call the enitial 3 days of January. Traditionally, people are allowed to be indulged during the 3 days. Oshogatsu is family orientated, equals to Christmas in Western coutries.

 

 2, New Year`s special greeting, `akemashite-omedetogozaimas`あけましておめでとうございます=`A happy New Year` in English.

 

 3, osechi-ryori  おせち料理 (New Year`s special dishes),  according to old tradition, the people cook the special meal at home to feed the families during the 3days.

 

 4, nengajo 年賀状  New Year`s greetig card, this is what we exchange to greet who we know such as frieds and colleages for the coming year. Equals to Christmas card in Western coutries.

 

 5, hatsumode 初詣=The fist visit to a temple or a shrine for praying (see The Isagawajinjya Shrine researched 25 Dec)

 

Over all

Even in "oshogatsu", the major supermarkets are open plus the convenience stores are available. You can get supplied what ever you want. I'd say "No Worries".

 

Conclusion

I guess, the above list would tell you pretty much enough about our "oshogatsu. You just ask me, if you want to know more about it. However, the only way to celebrate "osogatsu" is that "get relaxed" and "stay warm" while it's very good to hang out for "hatsumode". I hope you watch tonight's boxing fights on TV (researched 22 Dec). See ya!