Dondo-yaki Day (Dondoyaki no Hi)

What Is Dondo-yaki Day?

Every year on January 14th, Japan observes "Dondo-yaki no Hi." Dondo-yaki is a traditional Japanese ritual in which New Year decorations — pine gate decorations (kadomatsu), straw ropes (shimenawa), and the first calligraphy of the year (kakizome) — are gathered together and ceremonially burned in a bonfire. It is usually held the night before Koshogatsu (the "Little New Year," January 15th), and symbolizes sending the New Year deity (Toshigami) back to the heavens on the rising flames.

The Origins of Dondo-yaki

The origins of Dondo-yaki are said to trace back to a Heian-era (794–1185) court ritual called "Sagicho." It began as a practice in which onmyoji (court diviners) burned New Year decorations to divine the fortunes of the coming year. The custom gradually spread among ordinary people and evolved into the form it takes today.

Where Does the Name Come From?

There are several theories about the origin of the name "Dondo-yaki." One theory holds it comes from the "dondon" sound of the crackling fire; another says it derives from a chant of "toto, ya toto" sung as the decorations were burned. The fact that the name varies so much from region to region is itself one of the festival's distinctive features.

Different Names Across Japan

Dondo-yaki is celebrated all across Japan, but it goes by a remarkable variety of names depending on the region — a reflection of Japan's rich local diversity.

• Sagicho — Kansai and Hokuriku regions
• Donto-yaki — parts of Tohoku and Kanto
• Saito-yaki — Kanto region
• Onibi-taki ("demon fire burning") — Kyushu region
• Hongen-gyo — Saga Prefecture

Customs Surrounding Dondo-yaki

Dondo-yaki is more than just a way of disposing of New Year decorations — it carries a variety of wishes and meanings. It is also an important community event where local people gather and pray together for good health and freedom from illness in the year ahead.

What Gets Burned

Items burned typically include kadomatsu (pine decorations), shimenawa (sacred straw ropes), hamaya (ceremonial arrows), omamori (protective amulets), omikuji (fortune slips), and kakizome (New Year calligraphy). According to tradition, the higher the flames rise when burning your kakizome, the better your handwriting will become. However, plastic items and the plastic wrapping from kagami mochi (New Year rice cakes) should never be burned, as they release harmful substances.

Roasting and Eating Mochi

According to local belief, eating mochi (rice cakes) roasted over the Dondo-yaki bonfire brings good health for the entire year. In many regions, red-and-white mochi balls called "mayudama" (silkworm-cocoon-shaped mochi) are skewered on tree branches and roasted over the fire — a treat children especially look forward to.

Taking Home the Ashes

There is also a custom of taking home some of the ashes from the Dondo-yaki fire and scattering them around one's house as a charm against evil. Ashes purified by the sacred flames are believed to have the power to ward off misfortune.

Dondo-yaki Today

In cities, where open spaces for lighting fires are limited, opportunities to experience Dondo-yaki firsthand have decreased. Even so, many shrines and local community associations continue to keep the tradition alive by hosting their own Dondo-yaki events. If you're unsure how to dispose of your New Year decorations, you can often bring them to a nearby shrine.

The Spirit Behind Dondo-yaki

Dondo-yaki is a ritual filled with gratitude toward the New Year deity and hopes for a safe year ahead. Gazing into the flames, renewing one's resolutions for the new year, and connecting with neighbors — this day offers a wonderful chance to experience the warmth of Japanese traditional culture firsthand.