Food is a significant part of celebrating holidays and traditions in countries worldwide.
Food is a significant part of celebrating holidays and traditions in countries worldwide. New Year’s is one of Japan’s biggest holidays. Special dishes are made to celebrate the coming of the new year. The most common foods consumed for Japanese New Year are called osechi ryori, often served and enjoyed amongst family and friends. Traditionally osechi ryori has a symbolic meaning representing people’s wishes and desires for the new year. Osechi ryori has something for everyone varying from flavors that can be savory, sweet, or somewhere in between. Below are various foods eaten during the Japanese New Year.
Toshikoshi Soba
Toshikoshi soba is a savory New Year’s noodle bowl dish traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve. The dish consists of noodles made from buckwheat in a soup with various toppings, such as green onions, spinach, or egg. The long length of the noodles symbolizes longevity representing a wish for continued long life in the new year.
Ozoni
Ozoni is a soup dish traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day served with mochi or rice cake. Varying forms of ozoni include vegetables, chicken, fish, and sometimes tofu, depending on where it’s made. Ozoni is a symbol of good fortune in the coming year, while the elasticity of the mochi symbolizes longevity.
Datemaki
Datemaki is a sweet rolled omelet. It is mainly made of egg with fish cake, consisting of a sweet and savory flavor from a mixture of honey, mirin, sugar, and other ingredients. This sweet and savory roll is a dish eaten in osechi ryori, symbolizing learning and wisdom.
Kobumaki
Kobumaki is a rolled kelp dish usually stuffed with salmon cooked in sweet and salty sauce, traditionally served on New Year’s Day as one of the foods in osechi ryori, symbolizing joy and happiness.
Kuri Kinton
Kuri Kinton is a smooth, sweet, and creamy dish with a bright golden yellow color, made from candied chestnuts and Japanese sweet potatoes. It is a special Japanese New Year dish symbolizing wealth, success, and fortune in the new year.
Japan’s traditional New Year’s dishes range from both sweet and savory, playing a significant role in celebrating the new year.
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