[For Kids] January Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts: Learn About the New Year in a Fun Way

the morning of January 1

The word “Gantan” refers to the morning of New Year’s Day and, strictly speaking, means the morning of January 1. It is often confused with “Ganjitsu” (New Year’s Day), but because the character “旦” in “Gantan” denotes morning, it originally refers not just to the date but to the morning hours. This reflects a Japanese custom that cherishes the special time of the morning on the first day of the new year, welcomed after staying up through New Year’s Eve.

Academic achievement

Datemaki, which resembles a scroll in appearance, is associated with old books and scrolls and thus carries wishes for academic success and increased knowledge. It is especially eaten at the start of the year with hopes for improving studies and learning new things. For that reason, it is a particularly valued dish in households with children or students.

financial luck

Kurikinton is one of the most popular dishes in osechi cuisine, and its vivid golden color evokes gold bars and treasure, making it a symbol of good fortune and increased wealth. Eating kurikinton at the start of the new year carries the hope that abundant prosperity will come to one’s household and oneself. Its bright hue also adds a festive touch to celebratory gatherings.

udon

The noodles considered good to eat during the New Year are udon. In some regions, there is a custom of eating udon for good luck alongside ozoni and osechi dishes. In places like Kagawa Prefecture, there is a tradition called “Toshiake Udon” (New Year’s Udon), where people eat white udon at the start of the year to pray for good fortune and longevity. It carries the meaning of wishing for a year free of illness and for the health of one’s family, making it a festive addition to the New Year’s table.

China

Kite flying is believed to have originated in ancient China. In China, kites made by stretching paper or silk over wooden frames existed as early as the pre-Qin era, and they were used for various purposes, including military applications and entertainment. Kites eventually spread across Asia, including Japan, where they developed uniquely in each region. The custom of flying kites during the Japanese New Year is rooted in cultural influences that came from China.

Rentarō Taki

The children’s song “Oshōgatsu” is a famous nursery rhyme that depicts traditional Japanese New Year scenes. It was composed by Rentarō Taki, a composer active from the Meiji to Taishō periods. Taki also created masterpieces such as “Kōjō no Tsuki” and “Hana,” and he had a significant impact on the history of Japanese music. “Oshōgatsu” is loved by people of all ages, from children to adults, and is often sung at schools and at home during the New Year season.

Rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste

A distinctive feature of Kagawa Prefecture’s ozoni (New Year’s soup) is that it uses a white miso broth with mochi filled with sweet red bean paste. This unusual combination is famous as a unique part of Kagawa’s culture, and many residents eat ozoni in this style during the New Year. The gentle flavor of white miso pairs exquisitely with the sweetness of the red bean paste, which is why it has been loved for many years. Also, since ozoni varies by region in ingredients as well as the shape and seasoning of the mochi, it’s fun to compare the differences found across Japan.

The sign of God

Kadomatsu are displayed as a sign directed toward the gods, saying, “Please come properly to this house.” As for the pine trees used to make these kadomatsu, in the old days people would head toward that year’s lucky direction—the auspicious eho—and cut pine from there to use. It seems the ritual aspect was much stronger than it is now. Even so, the big kadomatsu in front of the department store seem to get bigger every year...

Egypt

The oldest spinning top was discovered in ancient Egyptian ruins. Its shape is a bit different from the tops everyone knows; it is said to look like an enlarged nut or seed. There’s even a theory that it wasn’t a children’s toy. Some suggest it was used in various rituals, while others think it served as teaching material for exploring science or mathematics. What do you think?

a living horse

An ema is a wooden plaque that people offer at a shrine when they make a wish or as thanks when a wish is granted. You may have seen many ema hanging at shrines. Records show that in the Nara period, people even dedicated real horses. However, it’s said that even back then, those who couldn’t offer a horse would present a wooden plaque instead. If dozens of horses showed up, the shrine would have a hard time handling them, wouldn’t it?