New Year traditions in Japan

New Year, or Shōgatsu, is one of the most important celebrations in Japan, deeply rooted in tradition. Unlike the party celebration of New Year in my country of birth, it's a time for family, reflection, and fresh starts. 

Traditional customs begin with a thorough house cleaning, or cleansing or ōsōji, to welcome the Toshigami (New Year gods) into a pure space. Homes are adorned with kadomatsu (pine and bamboo decorations) and shimenawa (straw ropes) to ward off bad spirits.

On New Year’s Eve, families enjoy toshikoshi soba (noodles), symbolising longevity and resilience. As midnight approaches, temple bells ring 108 times in a ceremony called Joya No Kane, purging worldly desires.

A less traditional event is a bonenkai, or “forget-the-year party” is an end of year party for friends and coworkers to forget the stress of the year about to finish. These 'countdown' parties have become more popular in the larger cities and tourist areas as the fun, celebratory New Year's party. 

On New Year’s Day, it's tradition to visit shrines or temples for hatsumōde, the first prayer of the year, seeking blessings for health and prosperity. Traditional New Year’s dishes, collectively called osechi ryōri, are shared, with each dish carrying symbolic meaning. Another tradition, which is part of a wider Asian New Year customs for relatives to give children money in envelopes, called otoshidama,