Genshisai

What Is Genshisai?

January 3 is Genshisai. According to the Imperial Household Agency, it is a ritual at the start of the year in which the origin and foundation of the Imperial Throne are celebrated and prayers for the prosperity of the nation and its people are offered at the Three Palace Sanctuaries. It is one of the court rituals (kyuchu saishi) performed by the Imperial Family.

Court Rituals at the Start of the Year

According to the Imperial Household Agency's list of major rituals, several other rituals and ceremonies take place at the start of the year besides Genshisai.

• January 1, Shihohai: The first event of the year, in which His Majesty the Emperor, early in the morning in the south garden of the Shinkaden Hall, worships from afar the Grand Shrines of Ise, the imperial mausolea, and the deities of the four directions.
• January 1, Saitansai: A New Year ritual held early in the morning at the Three Palace Sanctuaries.
• January 3, Genshisai: A ritual celebrating the origin and foundation of the Imperial Throne, with prayers for the prosperity of the nation and its people at the Three Palace Sanctuaries.
• January 4, Sojihajime: An event in which the Chief Ritualist reports to His Majesty the Emperor on matters concerning the rituals of the Grand Shrines of Ise and the Imperial Court at the start of the year.

Other Rituals in January

According to the Imperial Household Agency's list of major rituals, January also includes the Showa Tenno-sai on the 7th, held at the Koreiden on the anniversary of Emperor Showa's death (with a ritual also held at his mausoleum and sacred kagura music in the evening), and the Komei Tenno Reisai on the 30th, held at the Koreiden on the anniversary of Emperor Komei's death. Court rituals are held in this way throughout the year.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Read the list of major court rituals on the Imperial Household Agency's website
• Learn about traditional New Year events such as Shihohai and Saitansai
• On the last of the first three days of the year, look back with your family on how you spent the holidays
• Organize your goals for the new year before work starts again

A Ritual That Closes the First Three Days of the Year

January 3 is the last of the first three days of the New Year. On this day, the Imperial Family holds Genshisai and prays for the prosperity of the nation and its people at the start of the year. Why not learn what rituals are held during the New Year as part of Japan's traditions?