Nara

The flavor of zoni varies by region across the country, doesn’t it? In Nara Prefecture, it’s a sweet miso-based zoni served with sweet kinako on the side. They say the sweet-and-salty taste is addictive.

To layer blessings

These days, osechi cuisine has become quite compact. Originally, I hear that a five-tiered stacked set was the standard. Getting together on New Year’s Day and eating osechi with everyone is a fun way to spend the holiday, isn’t it?

black soybeans

Black soybeans are said to have the power to ward off evil. Since ancient times, the color black has been considered effective for driving away malevolent spirits. They also carry the wish for good health in the new year. Additionally, because of the word mame (which can mean both “bean” and “diligent”), they may be imbued with the hope that one will work diligently.

Be kind to your digestive system and wish for good health free of illness.

Many people tend to overeat during the New Year holidays, don’t they? That’s why on January 7th, there’s a custom of eating nanakusa-gayu (seven-herb rice porridge) to give your stomach and intestines a rest. It’s said that nanakusa-gayu has the power to soothe a tired digestive system, so people eat it while praying for good health and safety from illness.

Cleaning

New Year’s Day is the day we welcome the god of good fortune. That’s why cleaning is considered inauspicious, as it would be like driving the deity away. It may also carry the meaning of encouraging people to rest their bodies and spend the holiday at a leisurely pace.

guest

What an adorable maneki-neko. Displaying it in your room seems like it would bring good fortune, doesn’t it? The left paw of a maneki-neko is said to beckon customers, while the right paw is said to invite money. They’re often displayed in shops to pray for prosperous business.

Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)

Many of you may have fond memories of playing fukuwarai together during the New Year. It’s fun because, with your eyes covered, you never know what kind of face you’ll end up making. This classic New Year’s game is said to have originated in the Edo period, and it apparently became widely popular in the Meiji period.

There are no particular rules.

Omikuji, the fortune slips that test your luck for the year, feel really special, don’t they? Some people might even think their fortunes could change depending on the slip they draw! Since there aren’t any strict rules, it might be best to simply believe the good things written on your omikuji.

A wish for a bountiful year

Kurikinton is believed to bring good fortune with money because of its beautiful appearance. Please enjoy it deliciously while wishing for abundance in the new year to come.

orange

The fruit placed on top of the kagami mochi is a citrus called a daidai. It looks like a mandarin orange, but it’s smaller. Because daidai fruit grows large without falling from the tree, it carries the wish for the household’s continued prosperity.