Let's get excited with a New Year quiz! General questions about the Japanese New Year

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I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

How much do you know about New Year’s in Japan? Even customs we repeat every year without much thought can be surprising once you learn their background—you’ll find yourself thinking, “So that’s what it means!” In this article, we present general knowledge and trivia about the New Year in a quiz format! It’s packed with facts you might think you know but don’t, such as the meaning of otoshidama envelopes, the sentiments behind osechi cuisine and traditional New Year’s games, and things you shouldn’t do during the New Year period.

Try it out and have fun with family and relatives when you gather together!

Let’s get excited with a New Year’s quiz! General questions about the Japanese New Year (31–40)

What do you call “visiting a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple for the first time of the New Year”?

visiting a shrine/temple (to pray)
first shrine visit of the New Year
First shrine visit

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first shrine visit of the New Year

The custom of visiting a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple for the first time in the new year is called Hatsumode. Its purpose is to give thanks for having safely made it through the previous year and to pray for peace in the year ahead. Although it is a uniquely Japanese event, the sheer number of worshippers has led it to be called one of the largest religious events in the world. However, it’s not considered Hatsumode if you go at just any time as long as it’s your first visit of the year; as a rule, you should visit during the first three days of the year, or at the latest within the “Matsu-no-uchi” period, so keep that in mind.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Why are ceremonial chopsticks designed to be usable at both ends?

It’s divided into dishes for osechi and for other types of cuisine.
They are separated for rice and clear soup.
It’s divided into one for myself and one for the gods.

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It’s divided into one for myself and one for the gods.

Celebratory chopsticks used when eating New Year’s osechi dishes and mochi. The reason both ends can be used is that one end is for the person and the other is for the gods. It is customary to start using them on New Year’s Day and continue using the same pair through the first three days, or up to January 7 during the New Year’s festivities.

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mutō

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What is the origin of the word “karuta,” a classic New Year’s game?

Chinese
Portuguese
Japanese

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Portuguese

The word “karuta” comes from the Portuguese carta, meaning “card.” Playing cards introduced from Portugal in the 16th century became the basis for karuta, which took root as a traditional Japanese game.

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KOH-1

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What do you call the period from January 1 to January 7?

the seventh day of mourning (Matsunoka)
New Monday
Day of Seven Herbs

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the seventh day of mourning (Matsunoka)

The period from January 1 to January 7 is called Matsunoka or Matsunouchi. It varies by region, but this refers to the time when New Year’s decorations are displayed and New Year’s events are held, during which the Toshigami deity—who is enshrined in the kagami mochi as a sacred vessel—visits the home and remains until departing.

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KOH-1

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Which of the following is the reason for displaying the familiar kagami mochi during the New Year?

As an offering to welcome the New Year deity
as a charm to pray for a bountiful harvest next year
As a symbol to pray for the health and longevity of one's family

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As an offering to welcome the New Year deity

Kagami mochi is an offering displayed during the New Year to welcome Toshigami, the deity of the new year. Toshigami is regarded as the god who presides over the harvest, and is believed to play an important role in ensuring the safe arrival of the new year.

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KOH-1

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