Ever wondered how the Japanese celebrate New Year's? Beyond the fireworks and countdown parties, welcoming the New Year in Japan involves a unique tradition: the feast of Osechi Ryori (お節料理). This colorful assortment is a celebration of cultural heritage, where each has its own story and significance.
Celebrating New Year with LOTS of Food!
The Osechi meal offers a filling and delicious way for the Japanese to start the New Year, steeped in traditions that go back centuries. This culinary practice dates back to the Heian period (794–1185), when food was offered to the gods on special days to mark the changing seasons.
Originally, these offerings were simple, meant to honor deities and bring good fortune. But as centuries passed, especially by the time the Edo period (1603-1868) rolled around, Osechi became a household staple, rich in both flavor and symbolism.
Interestingly, during the first days of the New Year, cooking was traditionally avoided to give everyone (particularly the hardworking women of the household) a well-deserved break. Thus, Osechi dishes are prepared in advance and are meant to last a few days—talk about a practical tradition!
Not Your Average Lunchbox!
Image source: Pinterest
Osechi isn't just delicious—it's a visual treat, too! Served in these elegant lacquer boxes called Jubako (重箱), they're stacked up just like bento boxes. Each layer you uncover is like a mini New Year's celebration, packed with unique flavors and meanings.
What's Inside Your Jubako?
Each dish in Osechi is steeped in symbolism, designed to invite specific fortunes into the coming year:
- Tazukuri (田作り): Coated in a sweet soy sauce glaze, these candied sardines are for a bountiful harvest—these little fish were once used to fertilize fields!
- Kuromame (黒豆): These sweet black beans are a wish for health and hard work.
- Kohaku Kamaboko (紅白かまぼこ): Red and white fish cakes symbolize celebration and are thought to ward off evil while inviting purity.
- Kazunoko (数の子): Herring roe represents fertility, wishing for a family filled with children.
- Datemaki (伊達巻): Sweet rolled omelette, similar to a scroll, hopes to bring academic success.
- Kobumaki (昆布巻き): Kelp rolls are a play on words with 'yorokobu', meaning joy, wishing happiness for the family.
- Shrimp (海老): Their curved shape symbolizes longevity, as they resemble the elderly.
- Tai (鯛): Sea bream, a pun on 'medetai', a word for joyous, is a staple for celebrations.
- Kurikinton (栗きんとん): Mashed sweet potato with chestnuts, golden in color, symbolizes wealth and prosperity.
A New Year Challenge in the Kitchen!
Fancy creating a little Japanese magic in your kitchen? Making your own Osechi is a great start, perfectly blending cultural immersion with a mindful start to the year.
But let’s expand the menu: Sushi, Onigiri, Okonomiyaki, Miso Soup, Yakitori, Udon, Soba, and finish your meal on a sweet note with Dorayaki—sweet red bean pancakes, or choose from the ever-popular Mochi or Dango, paired with a relaxing cup of high-quality Japanese Matcha to cleanse your palate!
Not in the mood to cook? Japan's snack game is just as thrilling. From the adventurous KitKat flavors that include matcha and wasabi, to the iconic Pocky and Pretz, you can indulge in a variety of Japanese sweets and snacks without ever turning on the stove!
Forget about the local grocery stores claiming to sell 'authentic' Japanese food. For a genuine taste of Japan, head over to ZenPlus. Trusted in the industry for over a decade, ZenPlus connects global shoppers like you to an extensive selection of over 5 million Japan-made products. These products are proudly listed by over 3,000 local retailers eager to have you try their offerings.
Shopping at ZenPlus isn't just about food—it's about immersing yourself in the full spectrum of Japanese goods. With everything available in a single cart, you can easily place your order and expect quick preparation and packaging, with your purchases landing right at your doorstep.
Japan's advanced approach to e-commerce really does make it a breeze!
About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.
