CultureFestivalsVocabulary
Japanese New Year (お正月) Traditions
31 May 2026 · Mozhippattru Japanese Language School
お正月 (Oshōgatsu) is the heart of the Japanese year — a time for family, reflection and fresh starts.
Key customs
- Hatsumōde — the first shrine or temple visit of the year to pray for good fortune.
- Osechi ryōri — beautiful boxed foods, each dish symbolising a wish (health, prosperity).
- Otoshidama — money gifts given to children.
- Nengajō — New Year postcards sent to friends and colleagues.
Greetings
- Before the year ends: よいお年を — have a good New Year.
- After it begins: あけましておめでとうございます — Happy New Year.
The mood
Unlike the party atmosphere elsewhere, Japanese New Year is calm and family-centred, focused on gratitude and hope for the year ahead.
Learn the greetings and customs and you''ll appreciate this special season all the more.
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