by Happy New Year 2026!
I hope this year brings even more opportunities for people to discover Japan — and especially to learn about the charm of Chichibu.
Have you ever tried Osechi Ryori, Japan’s traditional New Year meal? Osechi is beautifully prepared and presented in layered boxes, and it is quite different from the dishes people usually eat in their everyday lives. Each item has a special meaning, symbolising wishes for good health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year.
What is Osechi food?
The word “Osechi” originally referred to seasonal festivals that marked the changing of the seasons. The concept was introduced from China during Japan’s Edo period, and over time several of these traditional customs were adapted into Japanese culture — including Osechi Ryori, the New Year’s celebratory cuisine. From these seasonal traditions, five important cultural event days became part of Japan’s annual calendar:
・7 January — Nanakusagayu
On this day, people eat Nanakusagayu, a warm rice porridge cooked with the “Seven Herbs of Spring.” It is enjoyed as a wish for good health and a year free from illness or misfortune.
・3 March — Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri)
As spring blossoms begin to appear, families display elegant dolls and celebrate with sushi and sweet rice cakes to pray for the healthy growth and happiness of girls.
・5 May — Children’s Day
Colorful carp streamers are flown in the sky, symbolising strength and resilience. Families also enjoy special rice cakes to celebrate the healthy growth of children.
・7 July — Tanabata (Star Festival)
Based on the legend of the two stars Hikoboshi and Orihime — represented by Altair and Vega — who can meet only once a year. People write their wishes on small strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches.
・9 September — Chrysanthemum Festival
This day is associated with longevity and good health. Families decorate with chrysanthemums and enjoy seasonal sweets such as chestnuts.
History of Osechi
The origin of the tradition comes from China, where it was known as “Sechi,” a word meaning a seasonal turning point — like the joints of bamboo — and associated with times of celebration. Japan adopted this custom and began referring to these days as “Sechi-Nichi,” or “celebration days.”
During the Nara period (710–794), these five seasonal events were formally observed at the imperial court, where special ceremonial meals were prepared for each occasion. This tradition was called “Sechiku,” and over time it evolved into what we now know as “Osechi,” the traditional New Year meal enjoyed in households across Japan.
What does Osechi eating mean?
Osechi is more than just a meal — it is a way to welcome the New Year’s gods and invite happiness and prosperity into the year ahead. Each dish in Osechi carries a special meaning, symbolizing different kinds of good fortune:
-
Kombu (kelp): Symbolizes happiness, as the word “kombu” sounds like “yorokobu” (to rejoice).
-
Pagrus major (red sea bream): Represents celebration and festive joy.
-
Herring roe: With many eggs in a single roe, it signifies family prosperity and the hope for many children.
-
Black beans: Stand for health and the ability to work hard in the coming year.
-
Daidai (small bitter orange, similar to a mandarin): Symbolizes the prosperity of the family across generations, as the word “daidai” also means “from generation to generation.”
Through these carefully chosen foods, Osechi embodies the hopes and wishes for a joyful, healthy, and prosperous year ahead.
