Discover the Date of Japanese New Year 2012: A Guide to Celebrating the Tradition
Are you planning to visit Japan in the next few months? Do you want to know when Japanese New Year 2012 is celebrated? Look no further, because we have all the information you need about this exciting holiday season.
Japanese New Year, or shogatsu, is one of the most important holidays in Japan. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and reflection on the past year. But when exactly is it celebrated?
The Japanese New Year falls on January 1st, just like in many other countries around the world. However, the celebrations in Japan can start as early as December 29th and continue until January 3rd.
During this time, many businesses and government offices close down so that people can spend time with their loved ones. Streets and shops are decorated with traditional decorations such as kadomatsu, which are bamboo and pine arrangements meant to symbolize longevity and prosperity.
One of the most popular traditions during the Japanese New Year is hatsumode, or the first shrine visit of the year. People flock to their local shrines to pray for good luck and fortune in the coming year. It is estimated that over three million people visit Meiji Shrine in Tokyo each year during this time.
Food also plays a huge role in Japanese New Year celebrations. One of the most important dishes is osechi-ryori, which is a collection of traditional foods that are meant to be eaten over the course of several days. Each dish has a special meaning, such as kuromame (black beans) for health and kuri kinton (chestnut paste) for wealth.
Another popular food during shogatsu is mochi, or rice cakes. These chewy treats are often eaten in soup or grilled and covered in sweet soy sauce and sometimes filled with bean paste.
But what about fireworks, you may ask? Unlike many other countries, Japan does not typically have fireworks displays on New Year's Eve. It is considered a time for quiet contemplation rather than loud celebrations.
If you're planning to visit Japan during this special time, be sure to book your accommodations and travel arrangements early. Many hotels and trains fill up quickly, especially in popular tourist destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto.
So there you have it, everything you need to know about Japanese New Year 2012. Whether you're planning to participate in the festivities or just want to learn more about this fascinating culture, we hope this article has been helpful. Happy New Year!
"When Is Japanese New Year 2012" ~ bbaz
When Is Japanese New Year 2012?
The Japanese New Year, or Shogatsu, is the most important holiday in Japan. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and reflection. Like many other countries around the world, the Japanese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which means that the date varies from year to year. So when is Japanese New Year 2012?
The Date
In 2012, Japanese New Year fell on January 1st, just like in most Western countries. However, the festivities actually begin on December 31st and continue until January 3rd. The period between these dates is known as Oshogatsu and is considered the most important time of the year in Japan.
Preparations
In the weeks leading up to Japanese New Year, families across the country begin preparations. Similar to Western Christmas traditions, many people clean their homes thoroughly and decorate with traditional New Year ornaments such as kadomatsu (pine and bamboo arrangements) and shimekazari (decorative ropes made of rice straw). Many families also prepare special foods, like mochi (rice cakes) and osechi-ryori (traditional New Year's dishes).
New Year's Eve
On New Year's Eve (Omisoka), families gather together to eat toshikoshi soba (buckwheat noodles) and watch the famous Kohaku Uta Gassen, a music program featuring top Japanese artists. Just before midnight, Buddhist temples throughout the country ring their bells 108 times to symbolize the 108 worldly desires that bind people to the cycle of suffering.
Midnight Celebrations
After the bell ringing, families usually eat toshikoshi soba or eat their first meal of the year (hatsu-gama) together. Some people also visit shrines and temples around midnight to pray for good fortune in the coming year. These midnight shrine visits are called hatsumode, and many popular shrines and temples are incredibly crowded during this time.
First Day of the Year
The first day of the year (gantan) is typically spent with family and friends. People often eat osechi-ryori, visit more shrines and temples, and exchange nengajo (New Year's cards) with loved ones. Some families also participate in a traditional Japanese game called hanetsuki, which is similar to badminton.
The Second Day of the Year
The second day of the year (January 2nd) is known as Hatsunori or first ride. It is customary to take the first train or bus ride of the year, often to visit relatives in another part of the country. On this day, some families also participate in a tradition called mochitsuki, where they make mochi rice cakes together.
The Third Day of the Year
The third day of the year (January 3rd) is called Hinamatsuri or Girls' Day. This day celebrates girls and their healthy growth. Many families with daughters display ornate dolls on this day and eat special foods like chirashi-zushi (scattered sushi).
In Conclusion
Japanese New Year is a truly special time in Japan. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration with family and friends. Whether you're spending the holiday in Japan or abroad, it can be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture and traditions.
When is Japanese New Year 2012?
Japan, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, has a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated and cherished by both its locals and visitors. One of Japan's most significant yearly celebrations is the New Year, which is known as Shogatsu. It is a time when families come together, visit shrines, eat traditional foods, and enjoy various events and activities. This year, the Japanese New Year will be different because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In this article, we will compare the typical Japanese New Year to the 2021 New Year celebrations, and highlight the differences.
Typical Japanese New Year
The Japanese New Year is typically celebrated from December 31 st to January 3rd. The celebration starts with a thorough cleaning of houses, called Osoji, to purify the homes and get rid of any bad luck or impurities from the previous year. Many people also decorate their houses with Kadomatsu or traditional pine decorations and Kagami-mochi or rice cakes placed on a stand and adorned with a tangerine. People gather for celebrations where they exchange gifts, especially mochi, which is a sticky rice cake eaten during the New Year, and Soba, which is a type of noodle. The celebration is marked by making New Year resolutions known as Nenmatsu-Nenshi, visiting shrines, temples, and praying for good health and fortune in the New Year.
2021 Japanese New Year: How it is different?
Like most countries worldwide, Japan is struggling to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The Japanese government has issued guidelines to mitigate the virus's risk during the New Year celebrations. The guidelines seek to limit crowd gatherings, close some public facilities and encourage people to celebrate from home. These guidelines are different from the traditional way of celebrating the New Year and, therefore, will have an impact on some New Year events.
Limiting Crowd Gatherings
The Japanese government has requested that people avoid crowd gatherings and follow social distancing protocols. Consequently, several popular events like Tohdo Royal Grand Shrine's New Year event have been canceled. This decision allows the shrine to mitigate overcrowding during the celebrations and minimize the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus. Shogatsu typically draws significant crowd numbers, and canceling such events ensures everyone's safety by avoiding large crowds during the pandemic.
Moving Celebrations Online
For the first time, many people have seen Japan's biggest countdown event move online because of the pandemic. The event is usually attended by over 100000 people but this year only aired on TV and Youtube. People can still enjoy the exciting performances, but the festivities moved from physical to online. The New Year’s Day ceremony where Emperor Naruhito delivers a speech to the Japanese people was pre-recorded for the first time in Japan's history due to Covid19 to limit crowd gatherings.
Dealing with Food and Dining
Sharing food traditionally forms a crucial part of the Japanese New Year gathering. However, this year, the public is encouraged to avoid unnecessary movement and limit their interaction. As such, the Japan Tourism Agency discouraged people in Tokyo and three surrounding areas from making out-of-town trips for the first few days of this year. Hotels have reportedly received requests over cancellations in many reservations due to fears many places have limited attendance to maintain social distance guidelines. Therefore people are finding alternative ways of enjoying festive meals in smaller numbers without breaking the covid regulations.
Opinion
Despite the exposure and experience that the pandemic brings to us, we should still acknowledge, respect, and achieve some of the traditional customs and practices in our culture. The Japanese New Year, like many other rituals globally, has acquired an extraordinary meaning to the people. While controlling the risk is of utmost importance, about everything we do at intervals for protection and to avoid panic, we must acknowledge that we still believe in the importance of these events. Thus, creating different ways of celebrating it should be acceptable, even though they might not be as extravagant and flashy as usual.
Comparison Table
| Aspects | Typical Japanese New Year | 2021 Japanese New Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crowd Gathering | The norm is large crowd gatherings. | The Japanese government recommends avoiding large crowds and encouraging social distancing. |
| Events and Activities | Families participate in various events, such as visiting shrines and temples. | Several traditional events have been canceled because of Covid-19. |
| Food and Dining | Sharing of food forms a significant part of the New Year celebration. | The public is encouraged to avoid unnecessary movements and limit interaction. |
Conclusion
Celebrating the New Year is an instrumental cultural celebration that involves past traditions and values honored every year. Even with the Covid-19 pandemic that has made major changes, the Japanese New Year's customs and practices have led people to appreciate and come up with ways of celebrating them in smaller groups at home. It is significant in our lives, and the changes that have been made are cautious measures that instill the importance of safety measures in the world today.
When Is Japanese New Year 2012?
Introduction
Japanese New Year, also known as Shogatsu, is one of the most important events in Japan, celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. It is a time for family reunions, reflection, and new beginnings.Date of Japanese New Year 2012
Japanese New Year is celebrated on January 1st every year, just like in most countries around the world. In 2012, it falls on a Sunday. However, the celebration usually continues for several days, up to January 3rd or 4th, depending on your location in Japan.Preparation for Japanese New Year
Preparation for Japanese New Year usually starts several weeks before the actual day. People clean their houses and decorate them with traditional ornaments such as kadomatsu (bamboo arrangement), shimekazari (sacred rope decorations), and kagami mochi (rice cake). They also prepare special food and drinks for the occasion, such as osechi ryori (a variety of traditional dishes), toshikoshi soba (buckwheat noodles eaten on New Year's Eve), and sake (Japanese rice wine).Symbolism of Japanese New Year
Japanese New Year has many symbolic meanings. For example, the first sunrise of the year, known as hatsuhinode, is considered auspicious and many people go to scenic spots to watch it. Another symbol is the zodiac animal of the year, which changes every year in a 12-year cycle. 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, which symbolizes success and good fortune. Many decorations and souvenirs feature dragons during this time.Activities during Japanese New Year
There are many activities that take place during Japanese New Year. One popular activity is hatsumode, which means the first visit to a shrine or temple of the year. This is considered a way to pray for good luck and success in the coming year. People also send nengajo (New Year's cards) to family, friends, and colleagues, and exchange otoshidama (New Year's money) with children.Food and drinks during Japanese New Year
Food and drinks are an essential part of Japanese New Year. Osechi ryori is a traditional dish that includes various small portions of food, each with its own symbolic meaning. For example, black beans represent health, while herring roe represents fertility. Toshikoshi soba is a simple noodle dish that is eaten on New Year's Eve to help see off the old year and welcome the new one. Sake is also a popular drink during this time, with many breweries releasing special seasonal varieties.Fireworks during Japanese New Year
Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate Japanese New Year. Many cities and towns hold fireworks displays on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. These displays can be quite spectacular, with colorful explosions lighting up the night sky.Etiquette during Japanese New Year
There are some important etiquette rules to follow during Japanese New Year. For example, it is customary to greet people with the phrase akemashite omedetou gozaimasu, which means Happy New Year. When visiting a shrine or temple, it is important to bow respectfully and make an offering. When receiving otoshidama, it is polite to say thank you and show gratitude.Conclusion
Japanese New Year is a special time in Japan, filled with joy, symbolism, and tradition. It is a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. Whether you are in Japan or celebrating from afar, remember to embrace the customs and etiquette of this important event. Happy New Year – akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!When Is Japanese New Year 2012?
Greetings to all! Are you curious about when the Japanese New Year for the year 2012 falls? If so, you're in luck. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of how the Japanese New Year is celebrated and, most importantly, when it occurs.
Firstly, it's important to note that Japan has two New Year celebrations: one in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, which takes place on January 1st, and another that adheres to the traditional lunar calendar, which is known as Oshogatsu or shogatsu. This is the one we will be discussing in this article.
Unlike many countries, which celebrate New Year's Eve with fireworks and parties, the Japanese typically focus their festivities on the first few days of the new year. The exact date on which this begins varies year to year, but it usually falls between January 1st to January 5th. In 2012, however, shogatsu is designated for January 1st and lasts for three days.
The New Year is undoubtedly the most important holiday in Japan, and preparations begin weeks in advance. Many families undertake a thorough cleaning of their homes, known as osoji, to symbolically rid themselves of bad luck from the previous year.
On New Year's Eve, families gather together to enjoy toshikoshi soba, a noodle dish that symbolizes longevity, and to watch Kohaku, a popular music show featuring famous singers and celebrities. At midnight, many people visit Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples to pray for good fortune in the year ahead. Some also participate in Joya-no-kane, a ritual bell-ringing ceremony at temples across the country.
On the morning of January 1st, Japanese people typically watch the first sunrise of the year, known as hatsuhinode, and eat a special breakfast consisting of ozoni, a soup made with mochi (rice cake), and other traditional dishes. Many families spend the day visiting friends and relatives, giving gifts, and eating osechi-ryouri, a special New Year's meal that features various delicacies and symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
The following day, January 2nd, is known as hatsuyume, which translates to first dream. It is believed that whatever you dream on this day will bring good luck for the rest of the year. Some also visit the beach or go hiking to enjoy the outdoors and fresh air.
On the final day of shogatsu, January 3rd, many people participate in a tradition called nanakusa-gayu. This involves eating rice porridge with seven different herbs, which is thought to aid in digestion after the rich foods consumed over the past few days.
In conclusion, the Japanese New Year for the year 2012 begins on January 1st and lasts for three days. As you can see, it is a time of great celebration and tradition, one that is steeped in cultural significance and symbolizes the hope for a prosperous year ahead. We hope this article has provided you with some insight into the Japanese New Year and its unique customs. Wishing you all a happy New Year!
When Is Japanese New Year 2012?
Japanese New Year is one of the most important holidays in Japan. It is a multi-day celebration that begins on January 1st. Many people around the world are curious about when is Japanese New Year 2012, and here are some of the frequently asked questions:
1. What is the date of Japanese New Year 2012?
Japanese New Year 2012 will be celebrated on January 1st, 2012. This is the same date that it is celebrated every year.
2. How long does the Japanese New Year celebration last?
The Japanese New Year celebration typically lasts for three days. However, many people take additional days off from work or school to spend time with their families during this holiday season.
3. What are some of the customs and traditions associated with Japanese New Year?
Japanese New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Some of the customs and traditions include:
- Eating traditional Japanese foods such as soba noodles and osechi ryori.
- Cleaning the home to prepare for the new year.
- Visiting temples and shrines to pray for good luck and blessings for the coming year.
4. Are there any special events or activities during Japanese New Year?
Yes, there are many special events and activities during Japanese New Year. Some of the most popular ones include:
- The Joya no Kane ceremony, where temple bells are rung 108 times to cleanse the soul of sins and impurities.
- The Hatsumode tradition, where people visit the first shrine or temple of the year to pray for good fortune.
- The Toka Ebisu festival, where people visit a popular shrine in Tokyo to pray for business success.
5. Is Japanese New Year a national holiday?
Yes, Japanese New Year is a national holiday in Japan. This means that most businesses and schools are closed during this time.