Whilst the Christmas festivities are enjoyed in Japan, when it comes to celebrations New Year (Oshōgatsu) is the most important date in the calendar. As there are quite a few traditions, customs and decorations, we’ll be posting a couple of facts until the big day to help you ring in 2021, Japan-style.
First up...ōsouji (“big clean”). In the West it’s become an annual tradition to clear out your house as part of a “spring clean”, but in Japan people tend to wait for the winter. To welcome in the New Year, Japanese people undertake a deep clean to purify their living spaces and welcome the Shintōkami (“deity”), Toshigami, who’s said to visit each home and bring good health and fortune. As well as homes, workplaces and schools also set aside a day or two in mid-to-late December for group ōsouji, with everyone chipping in.
