New Year's Day (Ganjitsu)

What Is Ganjitsu (New Year's Day)?

January 1st is celebrated in Japan as "Ganjitsu," or New Year's Day. Established under the Public Holiday Law promulgated in 1948, its purpose is simply stated as "to celebrate the beginning of the year." As the very first day of the year, it has long been regarded in Japan as the most important turning point of the calendar — the day each household welcomes "Toshigami-sama," the deity of the new year, and prays for happiness and a bountiful harvest in the months ahead.

Ganjitsu vs. Gantan: A Subtle but Meaningful Difference

Strictly speaking, "Ganjitsu" refers to the entire 24 hours of January 1st, while "Gantan," written with a character depicting the sun rising over the horizon, originally referred specifically to the morning of January 1st — the moment of sunrise. Ganjitsu has been treated as a sacred span of time continuing on from New Year's Eve, with court ceremonies and folk customs handed down unbroken since the Heian period (794-1185). As the start of a fresh 365-day cycle, it is a day for purifying body and mind and setting new intentions.

Welcoming Toshigami-sama: The Rituals of Oshogatsu (New Year)

Japan's New Year customs (Oshogatsu) exist to welcome and host Toshigami-sama in every home. The kadomatsu (pine decoration placed at the entrance) acts as a "signpost" so the deity does not lose its way; the kagami-mochi (round rice-cake offering) serves as a temporary dwelling place for the deity; and the shimekazari (sacred straw rope decoration) marks the home as sanctified ground. Drawing "wakamizu" — the first water of the year — on New Year's morning, and exchanging New Year's greetings as a family, are important rituals believed to renew one's life force and strengthen bonds with loved ones.

Tasting Tradition: Osechi Ryori and Ozoni

The osechi ryori that fills the table on New Year's Day traces its name back to "sekku" offerings made to the gods at seasonal festivals. Every ingredient carries a wish: black soybeans (mame, meaning to work diligently), herring roe (for descendants and prosperity), and candied sardines (for a good harvest), among many others. Ozoni, a mochi soup whose ingredients and broth vary by region, reflects the idea of "shinjin-kyoshoku" — sharing a meal with the gods on New Year's Day.

Fun Facts About Ganjitsu

• Hatsuhinode (the first sunrise): It is believed that Toshigami-sama appears with the year's first sunrise, so many people climb mountains or visit the coast to watch the sun rise.
• Otoshidama (New Year's money gifts): This custom originated from "o-toshidama," rice cakes believed to contain a portion of Toshigami-sama's spirit, which were once shared among family members.
• Shihohai: Early on New Year's morning, the Emperor performs a court ritual of paying respects to the deities of the four directions and to imperial mausoleums, praying for the nation's peace and a good harvest.
• New Year's taboos: Traditionally, certain activities were avoided on Ganjitsu — such as cleaning (so as not to "sweep out" the visiting deity) or using fire (so as not to anger the kitchen god).
• Nengajo (New Year's cards): These greeting cards, which arrive on or around January 1st, became a fixture of Japanese culture in the Meiji era alongside the modern postal system, serving as a substitute for visiting distant friends and relatives in person.

Beginning Anew in Pure, Clear Light

Ganjitsu is a day filled with fresh hope, like the very first brushstroke on a blank canvas. As we look back on the year just ended while facing forward and resolving "this year I will accomplish this," a new sense of energy fills our hearts. January 1st is the most sacred of beginnings — a moment to straighten your posture in the crisp winter air and wish for happiness, both for yourself and for those you cherish.

Tips for Enjoying Ganjitsu

• Watch the "hatsuhinode" (first sunrise of the year) and let its light fill you with positive energy for the year ahead.
• Gather with family or close friends over osechi ryori, taking time to talk about the meaning behind each dish.
• Visit a shrine for "hatsumode" (the year's first shrine visit), return last year's amulets, and quietly set your goals for the new year before the gods.
• As the saying goes, "the plans for the year are made on New Year's morning" — write down what you want to achieve this year in a notebook or planner and start designing your future.

A Confident First Step Toward a Bright Year

January 1st is a day when the whole world is wrapped in fresh anticipation. Keeping in mind the Japanese spirit of "hare no hi" (a special, celebratory day), let's spend this remarkable day with a full and grateful heart. May today become a wonderful prologue to the 365 days ahead, and a solid first step toward a year filled with joy and smiles!