In Japan, the first three days of January is observed to celebrate the New Year. Many businesses, restaurants, and stores are closed during this New Year’s celebration period. New Year’s cards are sent to family, friends, and coworkers to be delivered on January 1st.
The New Year’s celebration begins on New Year’s Eve and soba (buckwheat) noodles are served, which represents long life. Families then head out to visit a temple or shrine and pray for prosperity in the coming year.
New Year’s Day is full of joy and free of stress and anger. Everything should be clean, my grandma always told us (her grandchildren) that we needed to start the New Year clean, so we had to take a bath and clean our rooms before January 1st.
Ozoni is eaten on New Year’s Day, a special soup containing mochi (pounded sweet rice) that was made days before. Beautifully prepared, home cooked food is eaten for the first 3 days of January. There are a few items that have special symbolism:
1. Shrimp (Ebi): Long Life
2. Black Beans (Kuromame): Good Health
3. Herring Roe (Kazunoko): Fertility
4. Small Fish (Tazukuri): Good Harvest
5. Sweet Chestnuts (Kurikinton): Happiness
6. Red Snapper (Tai): Good Fortune
The New Year’s celebration begins on New Year’s Eve and soba (buckwheat) noodles are served, which represents long life. Families then head out to visit a temple or shrine and pray for prosperity in the coming year.
New Year’s Day is full of joy and free of stress and anger. Everything should be clean, my grandma always told us (her grandchildren) that we needed to start the New Year clean, so we had to take a bath and clean our rooms before January 1st.
Ozoni is eaten on New Year’s Day, a special soup containing mochi (pounded sweet rice) that was made days before. Beautifully prepared, home cooked food is eaten for the first 3 days of January. There are a few items that have special symbolism:
1. Shrimp (Ebi): Long Life
2. Black Beans (Kuromame): Good Health
3. Herring Roe (Kazunoko): Fertility
4. Small Fish (Tazukuri): Good Harvest
5. Sweet Chestnuts (Kurikinton): Happiness
6. Red Snapper (Tai): Good Fortune
Tai or Red Snapper is a must for family celebrations and is served at these special occasions. UMI uses the Red Snapper to celebrate the sushi culture and being able to share this Japanese culture with mainstream America. Let’s celebrate the New Year by continuing to eat sushi, One Fish at a time.
UMI wishes you a Happy New Year and thanks you for your continued support!
UMI wishes you a Happy New Year and thanks you for your continued support!
Article by Jay Terauchi
I'm glad to know that in Japan its just not sake bombs on New Year's Eve. Do any restaurants celebrate with special food? This is the first time that I'm hearing of some of these dishes. You guys have so much information. Domo Arigato!
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