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Bryce O'Nesky, Christian Hotta, RAY CHANG

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Bryce O'Nesky, Christian Hotta, RAY CHANG

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Jake DeMichiel Evan Shackelford, Thomas Banducci

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Jake DeMichiel Evan Shackelford, Thomas Banducci

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Mochitsuki is pounding rice to make rice cakes, also known as mochi. This process is done during the end of the year. After the mochi is finished, some are set aside as divine offerings. The decorative "kagami mochi" are two flat, round mochi stacked on top of the other, with the lower mochi being slightly larger. Kagami Mochi is topped with a mandarin orange. The orange represents hope and prosperity for future generations. The sweet is eaten in hopes of good fortune in the new year.

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In the Heian era,
the 貴族 (nobility, Ki-zo-ku) used to write Happy New Years' cards to those far and wide as a way to simulate a 面と向かって (face-to-face, Me-n-to-Mu-katte) greeting. In 1871 when Japan followed Europe's lead with postal services, The ねんがじょう became more popular with greeting others. This tradition is well preserved and is one of the most common 伝統 (traditions, De-n-to-u) to this day.

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The japanese celebrate the new year on days January 1-3. Ozoni is a special mochi soup eaten in the morning of new years day. There are different types based on region the main ones are Kanto and Kansai.

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Most people go to Shinto Shrines during the New Years occasion. But Buddhist temples are also quite popular to visit when going to pray. Both places of worship can get extremely crowded, especially on the evening of December 31st(おおみそか), starting from a few hours before the strike of midnight – even more so at famous spots. It is customary to visit a shrine or temple for such New Year’s prayer within the period called, "まつのうち” ending on January the 7th.

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The first sunrise (初日の出) is a tradition that Japanese people celebrate during the start of a new year. During this tradition, people watch the first sunrise together with their family; they believe that this action will bring good luck for the year.

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おとしだま is a traditional New Year's gift given to children by adult relatives as a way of showing appreciation to them and giving them hope for the New Year. The money is presented in special envelopes called ポチぶくろ "pochibukuro."

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What things do you do during the “first sunrise”? 🌄

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What things do you do during the “first sunrise”? 🌄

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In addition to watching the sunrise, people also climb mountains on the day. They climb tall mountains to see the sunrise, and the action of climbing and overcoming challenges set a good standard for the year.

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How was the “first sunrise” like in 2022? 🌅

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How was the “first sunrise” like in 2022? 🌅

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When: 6:51 am
Where:
1. Kaisai Rinkai Park
2. Miura Beach
3. Osanbashi

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おおみそか is celebrated on the last day before New Year's where people prepare their clothes and houses and prepare anything they have to have a peaceful new year, and have a large meal to celebrate. The special cleaning is called おそじ

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The ねんがじょう are written very simply by having a greeting and saying of Happy New Years with the name and address at the bottom of it. ねんがじょう can be sent to anyone you know and are usually sent to the Nippon Yūsei Kōsha (Japanese post) as early as December 15th to the 25th.

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A kimono is a traditional Japanese robe worn on special occasions such as New Year. It symbolizes good fortune as well as long-living. 

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A kimono is a traditional Japanese robe worn on special occasions such as New Year. It symbolizes good fortune as well as long-living. 

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Before long ago Japanese people used the Chinese Calendar so they didn't celebrate New Years on January 1 they started New Years a little bit later on in the season. It wasn't until 1873 when Japan officially adopted the Gregorian calendar. They would celebrate on January 1 known in Japanese as "がんじつ" and "がんたん”.

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Some words/terms that people would write in the ねんがじょう are 謹賀新年 (Kinga Shinnen), 恭賀新年 (Kyouga Shinnen), 賀正(Gashou), and 迎春(Geishun). These are all Seasonal greetings that wouldn't normally be used in regular conversation.

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The tradition dates back to the Edo period in which wealthy families would distribute mochi (餅) and mikan (蜜柑 - a type of Japanese mandarin orange) to families in order to spread happiness. However, people also believe that the tradition of otoshidama comes from folklore, in that the money given to children will also function as an offering to the toshigami (年神), which are the Shinto New Year's dieties, this the name otoshidama or toshidama. They believed that the toshigami would protect the receivers.

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There are 12 Zodiac animals in Japanese Culture. The 12 Zodiac animals/constellations or こうどうたいの (koudoutaino). start with the mouse and then goes in the order of Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, and then Pig. The animals will rotate with each passing year. For example, this year's zodiac animal is the とら (tora), and then next year's zodiac animal will be the Rabbit. Since this year is the year of the Tiger, the ねんがじょう of this year will have a Tiger on the face of the card.

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this picture shows how to write a ねんがじょう properly. To write on the ねんがじょう people would use the art of しょど. (sho-do) to write katakana and kanji.

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Otoso sake is sake specially prepared by seeping a mixture of herbs in it for several hours. Drinking it first thing on おしょうがつ or new years day, is tradition. It is said to off ward sicknesses for the entire year as well as invite peace into the household. The herbs and spices from  屠蘇散 (tososan) 蘇means slaughtering evil spirits and 屠 means reviving the soul. The mixture generally include 5-10 kinds of traditional herbs and spices, which may vary by region, taste, maker and need: 山椒(sansho pepper) is often used for its antibacterial effects, cinnamon bark to aid digestion, bellflower to reduce inflammation, citrus peel to sooth the stomach. The main four kinds of sake are 純 米 Junmai-shu, 吟醸酒 Ginjo-shu, 大吟醸 Daiginjo-shu,  and 生酒 Namazake.

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Usually the amount of money given varies by the childrens' age- the older they get, the larger amounts of money they receive. For example, 2,000 円 for preschool children, 3,000 円  for elementary school students, 5,000 円 for junior and high school students, and so on.

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はねつき is a traditional Japanese game. It is similar to badminton, however it is played without a net. People use a wooden paddle, はごいた, to hit the colored birdie, called はね. It can be played in two ways; one person keeping it in the air as long as possible, or two people passing it to each other. It is a popular New Years Game.

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A temple bell called 梵鐘 (ぼんしょ) is rung 108 times, which according to the Jodo sect, is the number of worldly desires, and causes suffering to the heart. The bell is rung to cleanse every sin so that everyone could have a fresh start to the New Year.

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Differences between Kanto and Kansai Ozoni.

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Differences between Kanto and Kansai Ozoni.

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There are two main different types of Ozoni by reigon, Kanto style and Kansai style. The main differences are both the soup, and the mochi rice cake shapes. Kansai style is made with white miso soup and round shaped mochi, while in the Kanto reigon they make the soup with a soy sauce flavor clear soup, with rectangular mochi rice cakes.

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This is a picture of all 12 Zodiac animals.

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What’s the history behind “first sunrise”? 🌤  

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What’s the history behind “first sunrise”? 🌤  

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In the past, people used to believe that the god of good luck, Toshigami (年神), appeared on the first sunrise of the year. Because of this, they all rushed to see the sunrise to greet Toshigami.

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A kimono is a colorful and decorative silk robe that is tied with a wide belt called an Obi which is also made of silk 

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A kimono is a colorful and decorative silk robe that is tied with a wide belt called an Obi which is also made of silk 

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Otoso is first recorded to have been drunk by Emperor Saga, Japan’s 52nd emperor, who reigned in the 平安 (heian) period. In the morning people drink from stacking sake cups called 盃(sakazuki) . it is poured from a shapely lacquer teapot known as 徳利 (Tokkuri). Cups of otoso are sipped facing to the east, in order from youngest to oldest, to pass on the vivacity of the youth to the elders

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Are shrine and temple procedures the same?

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Are shrine and temple procedures the same?

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No actually! Depending if you go to a shrine or a temple there are two different ways.

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The history of Osechi Ryori dates back to the Heian Period (794-1185). This dish is similar to a bento box, but their served in these special boxes called, jūbako.

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Osechi is a significant period or season. A long time ago, during the very first days of the New Year, it was unthinkable to use the hearth and make uncooked meals. When making it, it was prepared days before the New Year.  Back then, housewives were in charge of making meals everyday. During the three period celebration, the Osechi was a long lasting meal that would be eaten during the whole duration. This was a time for housewives to rest from making food.

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1. First everyone waits in line patiently for their turn. You may ask wouldn't it be the same if we went to the shrine any time of the year? Wrong! Hatsumode (January 1) is considered to be a particularly important time to make a prayer.

2. You ring the bell if there is one then you put a coin into the offertory box.

3. Next, follow the rule of "2 bows, 2 claps, prayer, 1 bow" to complete the ritual.

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こままわし is a Japanese spinning top. To play, spin it on its axis and see how long it can spin against your opponents. You can also make your own original game with it. These come in many sizes and colors.

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_1. 初日の出 (はつひので): The first sunrise of the year
2. 山 (やま): Mountain
3. 太陽 (たいよ): Sun
4. 鳥居 (とりい): A red gate that marks the entrance to a Shinto shrine or a Buddist temple
5. 登る (のぼる): To climb
6. 運 (うん): Luck, fortune
7. 年神 (としがみ): The god celebrated at the beginning of the year
8. 伝統 (でんとう): Tradition
9. 富士山 (ふじさん): Mt. Fuji
10. 公園 (こうえん): Park
12. 葛西臨海公園 (かいさりんかいこうえん): Kaisai Rinkai Park
13. 三浦海岸 (みうらかいがん): Miura Beach
14. 始まり( はじめまり): Beginning
15. 明るい (あかるい): Bright

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1. Ring the bell after bowing one time before putting money in the offertory box.

2. Then, pray with your hands pressed together in front of your chest. Mind that opposed to Shinto shrines, there’s no clapping at a Buddhist temple.

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Omamori is a traditional Japanese lucky charm. It is a small pouch made out of cloth that contains a small object called a “naifu,” made from paper, wood, cloth, or metal, with a sacred text or sutra inscribed on it. The name of the shrine is embroidered in the middle of the charm.  It is a customary to bring old omamori from the previous year back to the shrine to be ceremonially burned. The omamori usually come in a variety of different colors symbolizing the type of luck it will bring. Popular omamori include those for luck in wealth, health, and love.

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おみくじ(Omikuji)- Paper Slips of good luck fortunes

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おみくじ(Omikuji)- Paper Slips of good luck fortunes

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In the Kansai region there ozuni is white miso added to a kombu base dachi soup. They also round shaped mochi is cooked in boiling water before being added to the soup.

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Eating Ozoni on new year's day became a tradition during the Muromachi period, but the dish itself goes back even further. samurai families served Ozoni as a side or snack to pair with alcohol at banquets for the samurai warriors. Since it was believed to bring good luck, it became a tradition to serve it on the first day of the new year. The dish is offered to the gods on New Year’s Eve so that people can pray for health, prosperity and happiness.

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たこあげ is a kite flying game played on new years. They come in many shapes and colors and can be shaped as a character. Designs on the kite represent good luck. This is a new years tradition because the Tokugawa shogun in the late Edo period banned the flying of kites except for on new Year.

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What Japanese people do during the new year. 

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What Japanese people do during the new year. 

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Japanese people celebrate the new year by going to the shrine for the first time in the new year. They also eat special foods like ozoni, and wear special clothes like kimonos.

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Kanto Ozoni is a clear miso soup which is flavored with soy sauce, and bonita based dashi. the mochi is rectangular and is grilled before put in the soup. The Ozoni contains chicken, fish cakes, carrots, and leafy vegatbles.

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The otoshidama tradition originated from kagami mochi (rice cakes) that are offered to visiting New Year deity (toshigami-sama) in the New Year. Parents used to give their children small rice cakes (toshidama). Over time, the rice cakes were replaced by small gifts of wooden and paper toys. However, the toys have been replaced by money in most cases today.

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This is the name of the hammer that they use to pound the rice into rice cakes

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としそば is a food traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve which is the year-passing noodles. It symbolizes a clean slate and is very healthy to eat. It is served in its simplest form of buckwheat noodles as a tradition with hot dashi broth and and is garnished with chopped scallions. It represents strength and putting the past behind you.

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もち、みそ、かんと、かんさい、チキン、　ちゅごく、きゅしゅ、しこく、とっとり、さといも、とうほく。

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An usu is where the rice goes during the mochi-making process. It is usually one meter high and operated by 2 men.

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mochibana is a decoration that is made from willow branches and pink/white mochi papers. it symbolizes the coming of spring in japan.

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The rice cakes are sometimes made into a dessert. They can contain many different fillings.

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-Fireworks
-In New York there is a big ball drop that people count down until New Years.
-People watch on TV or visit time square in person.
-Sometimes once the ball drops couples kiss each other or start singing "Ole' Acquaintance".

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-visit the shrine
-fireworks(not too much)
-young people jump on the moment between last year and this year so they can fly at the very beginning of the year.

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Kids in Japan especially look forward to おとしだま, when relatives give money to them. The amount they receive when they're kids is small, about 5,000 yen, and increases as they get older. It originally began with being given mochi, but eventually turned to toys, and finally, money.

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Visiting a Japanese Shinto Shrine – Everything You Need to Know, Step by Step! - LIVE JAPAN

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In certain parts of northern India, new Year is celebrated on/after Diwali. It is celebrated by lighting Diya (lamp), eating mithai (Indian sweets), wearing new clothes, and doing pooja (prayer). Children also light sparklers and enjoy watching them sparkle. It is very colorful and lively.

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In American culture, there is not anything similar to おとしだま. Here, kids and teenagers can receive money for holidays and birthdays but there are not any specific New Year's traditions in America like there is in Japan.

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日本の絶景 初日の出ー大洗「神磯の鳥居」

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In western culture the closest thing to otoso sake is champagne. Although the meaning is not similar they are both drinks people use to celebrate going into the new year. Unlike otoso there is no specific order in which champagne is meant to be drunk. Champagne has been used to celebrate New Year since the 16th century and it's drunk out of a champagne flute.

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Japanese Osechi is similar to American New Years' foods as some American foods have meanings as well. For example, pork and saurkraut represent progress.

Here are some other foods with meanings in America:

1. Grapes= good luck for 12 months
2. Pomegranate= fertility, life, and abundance
3. Fish= abundance
4. Lentils= luck
5. cabbage= money

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Before the Meiji period, Japanese New Year was observed according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The Chinese, as well as several other Asian countries celebrate a tradition similar to otoshidama. The Chinese have their tradition of giving money in red packets known as hong bao (紅包). Otoshidama is called yasui qian (壓歲錢), and was given to ward off evil spirits. In this way the Chinese and Japanese traditions are very similar-- they both have the purpose of protecting or blessing the receiver for the new year.

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Americans Vs Japanese New Year's Traditions

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Americans Vs Japanese New Year's Traditions

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In America you usually just eat some nice food, light some fireworks and make new years resolution. In Japan they celebrate for multiple days and they have many more traditions such as the first sunrise and first shrine visit. Thank you!

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You can wear them when you dress up and go out with friends, to wedding ceremonies and formal parties, and when practicing Japanese dance. These kimono are considered to be more formal than yukata so they are suitable for more formal occasions.

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You can wear them when you dress up and go out with friends, to wedding ceremonies and formal parties, and when practicing Japanese dance. These kimono are considered to be more formal than yukata so they are suitable for more formal occasions.

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How does the US new year’s tradition compare to Japan’s “first sunrise”? 🎉

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How does the US new year’s tradition compare to Japan’s “first sunrise”? 🎉

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America 🇺🇸:
Americans celebrate the New Year’s by watching a 77-foot high ball (the NY Ball) drop! Families gather around, eager to count down the last seconds of the year with the NY Ball drop in the background. Americans stay up until 12:00 am, but don’t stay up to watch the sunrise like Japan.