December 17, 2009 in Sekaione Press, e-magazine by adminsekaione

e-Mag: January event in Japan

Japanese calls the first day Ganjitsu; this is the most important day of the year’s beginning. People decorate their entranceways and gates for the New Year. In the past, the decorations were kodamatsu or Shimekazari, buttoday’s decorations are simpler, like a wreath on the door. The morning of Ganjitsu is called Gantan. At Gantan families drink O-toso together and eat O-zoni and osechi in celebration of the New Year. Children receive otoshidama from their parents.It is customary to make the first year visit to a shrine or a temple to pray for happiness in the New Year. Read more »