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Shogatsu: A Timeless Journey into the Heart of Japanese New Year Traditions

Welcome to Experience Japan! As we step into 2026, there is no better time to explore the deep, soul-stirring traditions of the Japanese New Year, known as Shogatsu.

For our readers in India, you will find that while the languages and landscapes differ, the spirit of "New Year" in Japan carries a resonance remarkably similar to our own festivals like Diwali or Ugadi. In this article, we dive into the history, the spiritual connections between our cultures, and the modern-day importance of Japan’s most celebrated holiday.


Japanese family in traditional kimono praying at a Shinto shrine during Shogatsu - Japanese New Year celebrations with Kadomatsu decorations and Torii gate.

The Origins: A Shared Spiritual Heritage

The Japanese New Year celebrations date back to the Heian Period (794–1185). Originally, Shogatsu was a ritual to welcome the Toshigami—the deity of the year and the harvest.

Interestingly, for those of us familiar with Indian philosophy, the Buddhist influence on Shogatsu is undeniable. Much of Japan’s New Year spirituality traveled from India to Japan via China and Korea.

  • The 108 Bells: On New Year’s Eve (Omisoka), Buddhist temples across Japan ring their bells 108 times. This ritual, called Joya no Kane, is meant to cleanse the 108 earthly desires (kleshas)—a concept deeply rooted in ancient Indian Buddhist teachings.

  • Shared Deities: You might be surprised to learn that some Japanese New Year deities have Indian counterparts. For example, Daikokuten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods often honored during the New Year, has his origins in Mahākāla (a form of Shiva).



The Great Calendar Shift: 1873 and the Gregorian Change

A common question we get at Experience Japan is: Does Japan celebrate a Lunar New Year like India or China?


Historically, Japan followed the Lunisolar calendar (similar to the Hindu Vikram Samvat or Saka calendars). However, in 1873, during the Meiji Restoration, the Japanese government officially adopted the Gregorian (Western) calendar to align with global modernization.

While India continues to celebrate many regional New Years based on lunar cycles (such as Gudi Padwa, Baisakhi, or Puthandu), Japan moved all its traditional Shogatsu rituals to January 1st. Today, the "Old New Year" is mostly a memory in Japan, though it is still observed in vibrant pockets like Okinawa and the various Chinatowns in Yokohama and Kobe.



The Value of Shogatsu in Modern Japan

In a fast-paced world, Shogatsu remains the "King of Holidays" in Japan. Its importance today lies in three core values:

1. Osoji: The "Diwali-style" Big Clean

Just as we deep-clean our homes before Diwali to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the Japanese perform Osoji. It is more than just dusting; it is a spiritual purification. Families clean their homes, offices, and even local shrines to clear out the "old energy" of the past year and make space for the Toshigami to enter.


2. Family Reunions and Food

New Year is the time for Kokyo-ryoko (returning to one's hometown). Much like the festive family gatherings in India, the Japanese sit down for a special feast called Osechi-ryori. These are beautifully arranged boxes of food, where every item is symbolic:

  • Kuromame (Black Beans): For health (similar to the wish for wellness in our festivals).

  • Tai (Sea Bream): For "medetai" or auspiciousness.

  • Toshikoshi Soba: Long noodles eaten on New Year's Eve to symbolize a long and healthy life.


3. Hatsumode: The First Prayer

The importance of the first visit to a temple or shrine (Hatsumode) cannot be overstated. From January 1st to 3rd, millions of Japanese people wait in long queues to offer prayers for the coming year, buy amulets (Omamori), and seek blessings—much like the darshan sought in Indian temples during auspicious days.



Is there another New Year in Japan?

While January 1st is the undisputed national holiday, Japan does acknowledge the Lunar New Year (Kyushogatsu).

However, unlike India, where the lunar calendar dictates the dates of major festivals, Japan uses the Lunar New Year primarily as a time for cultural appreciation and tourism. If you visit Japan during the Lunar New Year (usually February), you will see stunning lantern festivals and dragon dances, particularly in cities with strong historical ties to maritime trade.


Why Shogatsu Resonates with the Indian Heart

At Experience Japan, we believe that traveling is about finding the familiar in the foreign. When you witness a Japanese family praying at a shrine or cleaning their doorstep with a "Kadomatsu" (pine decoration), you are seeing a reflection of the same values we cherish in India: respect for ancestors, gratitude for the harvest, and hope for a bright future.

Shogatsu is a reminder that no matter how modern a country becomes, its soul is kept alive through the quiet rituals of its people.


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Are you ready to experience the magic of Shogatsu for yourself?


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