Koshōgatsu (The Little New Year)

What Is Koshōgatsu?

January 15 each year is "Koshōgatsu," or the "Little New Year," as opposed to "Ō-shōgatsu" (the "Great New Year"), centered on January 1. In the old lunar calendar, this date corresponded to the full moon, and it was traditionally treated as a major milestone of the New Year season, marked by prayers for a good harvest and various household rituals. Because it was also a day of rest for women, it's sometimes called "Onna Shōgatsu" -- the "Women's New Year."

The Origins of Koshōgatsu

Japan once used a lunar calendar based on the phases of the moon. The 15th day, corresponding to the full moon, was considered especially significant, and the first full moon of the new year became an occasion for rituals praying for a bountiful harvest. Even after the switch to the solar calendar in the Meiji era, this custom has continued in various regions.

The Meaning of "Women's New Year"

The early days of the New Year are a busy time for women -- greeting guests, preparing meals, and managing household duties. Koshōgatsu became a day to acknowledge that hard work and let women rest. In some regions, men took over household chores for the day, or women who had married into another family would return to their parents' home for a visit.

Traditional Koshōgatsu Customs

Koshōgatsu has its own distinct customs, separate from those of the main New Year, often centered around simple, home-based rituals.

Eating Azuki Bean Porridge

On the morning of Koshōgatsu, it's customary to eat porridge made with azuki (red) beans. The red color of azuki beans is believed to ward off evil spirits, and the dish is eaten to pray for good health throughout the year. Depending on the region, mochi may be added, or the porridge may be flavored with salt or sugar.

Mochibana and Mayudama Decorations

"Mochibana" and "mayudama" are decorations made by attaching small red-and-white mochi or dumplings to branches of willow or other trees, representing clusters of rice grains or silkworm cocoons. They symbolize wishes for a bountiful harvest and successful silk production.

Dondo-yaki (Bonfire Ceremony)

Around the time of Koshōgatsu, communities hold "dondo-yaki," a bonfire ceremony where New Year decorations are burned. This is a way of sending off the New Year deity (Toshigami) along with the flames, and eating mochi roasted over the fire is believed to bring good health for the year.

Various Koshōgatsu Customs

• Narikizeme -- a farming ritual in which trees are "threatened" into producing a good harvest
• Tori-oi -- a ritual to drive away pest birds and pray for a good harvest
• Kayu-urani -- divining the year's fortunes by examining the texture of azuki porridge
• Namahage -- a traditional Koshōgatsu custom in Akita Prefecture
• Sagichō -- a fire festival in which New Year decorations are burned to send off the New Year deity

The Final Wrap-Up of the New Year

Koshōgatsu also marks the final wrap-up of the lively New Year festivities. After this day, the New Year mood gives way to everyday life, and the new year's routines begin in earnest. In regions where Matsu no Uchi (the period for displaying New Year decorations) extends to the 15th, decorations are taken down on this day.

Koshōgatsu Today

Since "Coming of Age Day" was moved to the second Monday of January, January 15 often passes as an ordinary day for many people. Still, the spirit of Koshōgatsu -- making azuki porridge to wish for family health, or simply taking a day to rest after the busy holidays -- can be a meaningful way to incorporate tradition into modern life. It's worth pausing to consider the wishes our ancestors carried in these customs.