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!”
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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 Japanese New Year (41–50)

When did the Hakone Ekiden, a New Year’s tradition, first begin?

the year 1920
the year 1924
the year 1930

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the year 1920

The Hakone Ekiden was first held in 1920. It is one of the most historic relay races in Japan and a New Year’s tradition in which many universities participate.

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What is the name of the first water drawn early on New Year’s Day?

first water drawn on New Year’s Day
Fukumizu
First Spring

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first water drawn on New Year’s Day

The water drawn for the first time in the early morning of New Year’s Day is called “wakamizu.” Since ancient times, there has been a custom of drawing wakamizu at the start of the new year to pray for safety and good health throughout the year. Incidentally, depending on the region, it is also called “hatsumizu,” “fukumizu,” or “ichiban-mizu.”

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Which university has the most wins in the Hakone Ekiden?

Waseda University
Juntendo University
Chuo University

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Chuo University

As of 2024, Chuo University has achieved 14 championships. In recent years, Aoyama Gakuin University has also been attracting attention, having won seven times since 2015.

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Why is sea bream eaten as a classic New Year’s dish?

Because sea bream (tai) is considered an auspicious fish
Because many sea bream are caught during the winter season
Because sea bream is easy to digest.

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Because sea bream (tai) is considered an auspicious fish

Sea bream are used in celebratory occasions as a prayer for longevity because they have a long lifespan among fish. In addition, since ancient times in Japan, they have been cherished as lucky charms at milestones and celebrations, playing on the word “medetai” (auspicious). For this reason, they are also considered suitable for New Year’s dishes.

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Which of the following is the correct etiquette before passing through a torii gate?

Give a slight bow.
to clap
ring a bell

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Give a slight bow.

During the New Year’s first shrine visit, many people go to Shinto shrines, and the torii gate is said to serve as a boundary between the world we live in and the sacred realm. Therefore, it is customary to give a slight bow when passing through a torii.

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In conclusion

Through the New Year–themed quiz, you were probably able to enjoyably learn about Japan’s traditions and customs! You also realized that even the habits we do without much thought actually have deep meanings.

If you bring up this kind of general knowledge when family and relatives gather, the New Year holiday will become an even richer time.