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

American football

The game where the top team from the corporate league faces the No. 1 college team is called the Rice Bowl. You could say it’s the true national championship of Japan. From 2009 to 2023, corporate teams have won 15 straight times, but college teams—like Kyoto University and Nihon University—have also notched plenty of victories. I’m excited for this year’s Rice Bowl, too! By the way, the championship game in the United States is called the Super Bowl.

Edo period

Taking advantage of being blindfolded, some people probably make funny faces on purpose. It isn’t entirely clear why such fukuwarai became established as a New Year’s custom. Like the proverb “Good fortune comes to a laughing household,” perhaps laughter is considered auspicious, which is why it took root during the New Year.

dragonfly

Because their fluttering resembled a dragonfly in flight, the shuttlecocks used in the traditional game Hanetsuki were likened to dragonflies. Dragonflies were considered beneficial insects that prey on mosquitoes, and people imbued them with the wish, “May children not be bitten by bugs.” In an era before insect-repellent sprays, parents wished for their children’s safety in every way they could.

Eat Kagami mochi

Kagami-biraki is the custom of eating the kagami mochi that was offered for New Year. It’s generally done on January 11, though the date varies by region—some do it on the 15th or the 20th. It’s not just about eating; it also carries a wish for good fortune to open up over the coming year. Because the word “to cut” is considered inauspicious, the word “to open” is used instead.

plate

In Denmark, there used to be a custom of throwing and smashing ceramics or plates at the front doors of close friends and neighbors on New Year’s and New Year’s Eve. I’ve heard it now only remains in some regions. It was believed that the more broken plates there were, the more good luck would come. It sounds a bit dangerous, perhaps, but kind of fun, doesn’t it? Good kids, don’t try this at home!