Japanese annual events have been handed down in Japan since ancient times.
What are annual events? traditional festivals and events held annually during the year. events that take place annually during the year.
For example, Hatsumode (New Year’s first visit to a shrine). For example, Hatsumode ( New Year’s first visit to a shrine), Nanakusa-gayu (rice gruel with seven herbs), and the Coming-of-Age Ceremony (the first day of adulthood ceremony), all of which are rare to foreigners.
In this issue, we will explain these Japanese annual events in detail for each month of the year! We will also explain how they came about and how they differ from those in other countries.
We will also introduce some example sentences for explaining them to foreigners in English, so please take a look at them for reference.
Typical Japanese Annual Events
Let’s take a look at a list of typical Japanese annual events.
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
January | first shrine visit of New Year | To visit a shrine or temple for the first time in a year and pray for happiness in the New Year. |
first calligraphy of the year | Event to write down New Year’s resolutions and goals | |
rice gruel containing the seven plants of spring | Eat rice porridge with the seven herbs and wish for good health. | |
cutting the New Year’s rice cake (January 11th) | Eating Kagamimochi decorated for New Year’s and praying for good health. | |
Coming-of-age ceremony *Timing varies by region | Ceremony to celebrate the new adults | |
February | last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar (usually February 3 or 4) | Sow beans to ward off bad luck |
March | Dolls’ Festival | Wishing for the girl’s health and growth, we display the dolls. |
the far side of spring (i.e. the first day of spring) | Eat Botamochi to ward off evil spirits. | |
April | cherry blossom viewing | Cherry blossom viewing |
May | Dragon Boat Festival (Children’s Day) | Wishing for the health and growth of boys, carp streamers and May dolls are displayed. |
Golden Week (early-May holiday season in Japan) | Spring Consecutive Holidays | |
June | changing (one’s) dress for the season | Custom of transitioning from winter to summer clothing |
Midsummer’s Day | The longest day of the year | |
July | Festival of the Weaver (July 7th) | Decorate strips of paper with wishes written on them in honor of Orihime and Hikoboshi, the two stars that cross the Milky Way. |
inquiry after someone’s health in the hot season | Season’s Greetings and Letters in Summer | |
August | Obon *Period varies by region | Period for welcoming and offering memorial services to ancestral spirits |
September | the night of the 15th day of the 8th lunar month | Appreciating the Mid-Autumn Moon |
autumnal equinox | Eat Ohagi (rice cakes) to ward off evil spirits. | |
October | fall-leaf viewing | To appreciate the autumn leaves |
November | cordoning off | Celebrate the growth of children at ages 3, 5, and 7 *Celebrate at ages 3 and 5 for boys and at ages 3 and 7 for girls |
December | winter solstice | The longest night of the year is considered to be the day to take a yuzu bath and eat pumpkin. |
Year-end gift *Timing varies by region | A gift to express gratitude to those who have helped you during the year | |
soba noodles eaten on New Year’s Eve | Eat soba on New Year’s Eve to wish for longevity and good health. |
The above are typical Japanese annual events, but there is always an event for each month. You can see that there are many events to feel the seasons and to celebrate the growth of children.
In this section, we will introduce traditional Japanese annual events in detail by month.
Japanese Events in January
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
January 1-15 | first shrine visit of New Year | To visit a shrine or temple for the first time in a year and pray for happiness in the New Year. |
January 2 | first calligraphy of the year | Event to write down New Year’s resolutions and goals |
January 7 | rice gruel containing the seven plants of spring | Eat rice porridge with the seven herbs and wish for good health. |
January 11 | cutting the New Year’s rice cake (January 11th) | Eating Kagamimochi decorated for New Year’s and praying for good health. |
Second Monday in January *Varies by region | coming-of-age ceremony | Ceremony to celebrate the new adults |
January, the beginning of the New Year. It has been an important time for the Japanese since ancient times and is a treasure trove of traditional events.
The beginning of January in Japan is marked by Hatsumode (New Year’s visit to shrines). Then comes the first calligraphy of the year, the first meal of the seven herbs, and Kagamibiraki, a traditional event to pray for good health and happiness in the new year, and Kagamibiraki, wishing for good health and happiness in the coming year. and Kagamibiraki, all of which are held to wish for good health and happiness in the new year.
Many foreigners are surprised at the number of New Year’s events in Japan, especially since there are few New Year’s events in Europe and the United States.
The Coming-of-Age Ceremony, held on the second Monday of January, is another annual event unique to Japan. The timing differs depending on the region.
While there are countries abroad that celebrate the coming-of-age ceremony, most of them do so for individuals who have reached adulthood. As in Japan, there are no ceremonies to celebrate all newcomers.
Many people also wear gorgeous furisode (long-sleeved kimono) and hakama (traditional Japanese male dress) for the coming-of-age ceremony, an event that is considered “uniquely Japanese” by foreigners.
Japanese Events in February
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
Around February 3 *Varies from year to year | last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar (usually February 3 or 4) | The day before the first day of spring, people throw beans to ward off bad luck and pray for good fortune. |
The annual event in February is Setsubun, which falls around February 3.
Around February 3, it is the day before Risshun, In the old calendar, Risshun, the change from winter to spring, was regarded as “the first turning point of the year Risshun was the first day of the year. Originally, Setsubun was the day before not only Risshun, but also Risshatsu, Risshakyu, and Risshunyu, and meant the division of the seasons. In modern times, only the day before Risshun, around February 3, has been designated as Setsubun.
On Setsubun, the day before Risshun We throw beans to ward off evil spirits and throw beans to drive away evil spirits. and throw beans to ward off bad luck. This is an event to drive away the bad luck of the year and prepare for the new year.
In recent years, the culture of eating ehoumaki has also spread. There are various theories as to why people eat ehoumaki, but it is believed that one’s wish will come true if one ehoumaki is eaten while facing the direction of good fortune (eho-ho) for that year. Of course, the rule is to eat it all without saying a word. (Reference: What is Setsubun? What do we do? Origin, foods, and regional differences (supervised by an expert)|Benesse Kyoiku Joho )
Incidentally, Risshun and Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) are often confused with each other, but they have different meanings and dates.
I will not go into details, but just keep in mind that “Risshun and Lunar New Year are different.
Even today, many Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year with great enthusiasm. Please be careful not to confuse the two when explaining to Asian people.
Japanese Events in March
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
March 3 | Dolls’ Festival | Decorate dolls and wish for the girl’s health and growth. |
Three days before and after the vernal equinox, with the vernal equinox as the middle day. | the far side of spring (i.e. the first day of spring) | Eat Botamochi to make offerings to ancestors and ward off evil spirits. |
The Doll’s Festival is an annual event in March. It is said to have started around the Heian period (794-1185) as an event to wish for the health and happiness of girls. It is said to have started around the Heian period (794-1192).
Today, it is common to display “hina dolls” to pray for the girl’s good health and safety, but in those days, dolls were floated down rivers or into the sea, entrusting them with bad luck. Incidentally, in some areas, a custom similar to the Hinamatsuri of that time still remains as “Nagashi Hina” (floating dolls).
During the Heian period (794-1185), dolls were called “Hiina” and “Hiina (doll) games” were popular among upper class girls. Over the years, it evolved into the modern Hinamatsuri. (Reference: Doll Dictionary: History of Hinamatsuri )
And, The three days before and after the spring equinox are called “Ohigan”. and the other three days before and after the
Ohigan is a period for making offerings to ancestors. Although there are various ways to make offerings depending on religious sects and regions, basically, people visit graves and offer botamochi (rice cakes) and ohagi (rice cakes) at Buddhist altars.
Incidentally, botamochi is the same Japanese confectionery as ohagi. However, the time of year when it is eaten is different. Botamochi is eaten in spring. Botamochi is eaten in spring, and is named after the peony flower that blooms in spring. On the other hand, “o-hagi” is a wagashi eaten in autumn, and is called after the hagi flower that blooms in autumn.
There is also an ” autumnal equinox” on the autumnal equinox in September. It is basically the same event as the “Spring Ohigan” in March, but it is interesting to keep in mind as a trivia since the name of the Japanese confectionery to be offered is called “Ohagi.
Japanese Events in April
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
Around early April | cherry blossom viewing | An event to appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms |
Cherry blossom viewing is an annual event in April.
It is an event that coincides with the blooming of cherry blossoms, The timing differs from region to region. In Okinawa, cherry blossoms can be appreciated until around February, and in Hokkaido and Tohoku, until early May. In Okinawa, cherry blossoms can be viewed in February, and in Hokkaido and Tohoku, cherry blossoms can be viewed until early May.
In the Nara Period (710-794), when cherry blossom viewing is said to have begun, the cherry blossom viewing was to admire plum blossoms. In the Heian period (794-1185), cherry blossom viewing became the mainstream. People enjoyed cherry blossom viewing by holding banquets and composing poems.
Even today, having a party is a custom that has remained unchanged since ancient times. The beauty of cherry blossoms still soothes the hearts of the Japanese people, even through the ages.
Japanese Events in May
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
May 5 | Dragon Boat Festival (Children’s Day) | Wishing for the health and growth of boys, carp streamers and May dolls are displayed. |
Around early May | Golden Week (early-May holiday season in Japan) | Japan’s own vacation week with a large spring holiday weekend |
The traditional annual event in May is Tango-no Sekku (Children’s Day). Originally introduced to Japan from China, it is said to have taken root in Japan after the Nara period (710-794). (Reference: The meaning and origin of Tango-no Sekku, as well as the way of celebration and manners.)
In modern times, Tango-no Sekku has also been established as a national holiday, called Children’s Day. It is a day to wish for the healthy growth of boys by decorating carp streamers and May dolls. Some people eat Kashiwa Mochi (rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves) and take a Shobuyu (iris bath).
One of the most popular items that catch the eye of foreigners is the carp banner. Their colorful appearance is popular, small carp streamers are often chosen as souvenirs for foreign visitors The colorful appearance is very popular.
The reason for decorating carp streamers on Dragon Boat Festival is based on the Chinese legend that a carp climbs up a torrent and becomes a dragon. The reason for decorating carp streamers on Dragon Boat Festival is based on the Chinese legend to overcome difficulties and succeed. to overcome difficulties and succeed. Especially during the Edo period (1603-1867), when the culture of the townspeople flourished, carp streamers were displayed throughout the town on Tango-no Sekku day.
When a foreigner shows interest in carp streamers, it might be interesting to tell them about the meaning and episodes like this.
Golden Week is also an event unique to Japan, and is a major holiday that includes Constitution Day on May 3, Midori no Hi (Greenery Day) on May 4, and Children’s Day on May 5. In some years, the holidays are as long as a week when Showa Day on April 29 (a little earlier), Saturdays, Sundays, and substitute holidays are combined.
There are various theories as to the origin of the name “Golden Week,” but the most popular theory is that it is an advertising slogan used by movie companies. The name “Golden Week” was derived from the fact that movies were released during this period, which coincided with the consecutive holidays, and became big hits. the name “Golden Week” was derived from the fact that movies were released during this period of the year, which coincided with the consecutive holidays, and became big hits. (Reference: Golden Week is a promotional phrase for movie companies. (Reference: “Golden Week” was an advertising slogan of movie companies⁉ This year, Silver Week is also a five-day weekend! (Japan Weather Association )
Golden Week was born around the Showa period (1926-1989) and has a short history as an annual event, but it is a valuable vacation week for Japanese people who have few vacations.
Japanese Events in June
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
June 1 | changing (one’s) dress for the season | Custom of transitioning from winter to summer clothing as the climate changes |
June 21 or 22 | Midsummer’s Day | The longest day of the year, the longest day of the year to eat Han-ge-sho-mochi (rice cakes) and octopus . *Varies according to region. |
Schools and companies that employ uniforms change clothes on June 1.
In fact, changing clothes is a culture that has been handed down since the Heian period. In some foreign countries, the seasons do not change, and many countries do not have the custom of changing clothes. It is an annual event that is unique to Japan with its four seasons. It can be said to be an annual event that is typical of Japan, where there are four seasons.
And June 21 or 22 is the day of the summer solstice. *Varies from year to year.
Midsummer is also known as “Midsummer. It is also celebrated in other countries, but each country celebrates it in a different way. In Sweden, for example, people wear flower crowns and do folk dances. In Sweden, for example, people wear flower crowns, do folk dances, and enjoy spirits, new potatoes, and other food and drink.
On the other hand, at the summer solstice in Japan, it is customary to eat han-ge-sho-mochi (rice cakes) and octopus. *Depends on the region.
This is because the summer solstice coincides with the time of rice planting, and people began to eat half-summer rice cakes made from harvested wheat and octopus to pray for a bountiful harvest. The relationship between a good harvest and octopus is said to mean “May your crops take root like an octopus. (Reference: What is the summer solstice? What is the meaning, customs, and food? Thorough explanation of the 24 solar terms and the winter solstice)
In recent years, candlelight vigils held on the summer solstice have also become popular, making it an ever-changing annual event. (Reference: What is the summer solstice?)
Japanese Events in July
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
July 7 | Festival of the Weaver (July 7th) | Decorate strips of paper with wishes written on them in honor of Orihime and Hikoboshi, the two stars that cross the Milky Way. |
Around July 7 – August 6 | inquiry after someone’s health in the hot season | Season’s Greetings and Letters in Summer |
The first annual event mentioned in July is Tanabata.
It is believed to be the day when the two stars, Orihime and Hikoboshi, cross the Milky Way to meet, and the custom of decorating bamboo branches with wishes written on strips of paper. It is a custom to decorate bamboo leaves with strips of paper with wishes written on them. Bamboo leaves are also decorated at schools and commercial facilities, and in some regions, Tanabata festivals are held on a grand scale. It is a familiar annual event for Japanese people of all ages.
Also, sent out from Shosho in July to the day before Risshu in August is is sent from Shosho in July to the day before the first day of Risshu in August. Originally, people used to visit the recipients in person and give them gifts . With the development of the postal system, the custom of sending postcards and letters changed to what it is today. (Reference: When is the season for Shochu-mimai? (Reference : Explanation of basic manners and how to write with illustrations and example sentences |Jalan News )
Although the form may have changed, the good old Japanese spirit of caring for others in the summer heat can still be felt.
Japanese Events in August
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
August 13-16 *Varies by region | Bon Festival | An event to welcome the spirits of ancestors and hold memorial services |
The August event is Obon. *Timing varies by region.
An event to welcome the spirits of ancestors and make offerings to them In Japan, there has been a custom since ancient times of enshrining ancestors in summer. Buddhism was introduced to Japan, and since Buddhism also had events to offer memorial services to ancestors in summer, Obon is said to have taken root in Japan. In other words, it is an event born from the fusion of Japanese ancestral spirit beliefs and Buddhism.
During the Obon period, it is a Japanese custom for family and relatives to gather at home to welcome the spirits of their ancestors.
In addition, summer festivals such as fireworks displays and bon dances are held throughout Japan during the Obon season.
Wearing yukata to festivals is another summer event that is uniquely Japanese.
Japanese Events in September
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
Around early September to early October *Varies from year to year | viewing the moon | An event to eat tsukimi dumplings while appreciating the beautiful moon |
Three days before and after the autumnal equinox, with the autumnal equinox as the middle day | autumnal equinox | An event to honor ancestors by eating o-hagi (rice cakes) |
September is the season of otsukimi. On the night of the 15th, when the full moon is said to be the most beautiful of the year, otsukimi dumplings and silver grass are offered to the gods. This event is held on the night of the full moon, which is said to be the most beautiful of the year.
Originally, it was an event introduced from China around the Heian period (794-1185) for aristocrats to appreciate the moon and eat dumplings. From there, it spread to the general public and became an event to give thanks and pray for a good harvest.
In addition, the three days before and after the autumnal equinox, with the autumnal equinox in the middle, are the autumnal equinoxes. As on the spring equinox, people pay respect to their ancestors, visit graves, and make offerings of botamochi (rice cakes) and o-hagi (rice cakes).
The difference from the spring Ohigan is that the Japanese sweets offered are called “o-hagi” instead of botamochi. Basically, the two are the same wagashi, but they are called “o-hagi” after the “hagi” bush clovers that bloom in the fall.
Japanese Events in October
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
Around mid-October to late November *Varies by region | fall-leaf viewing | To go and admire the beautiful autumn leaves. |
One of the most popular annual events in Japan in October is the autumn-leaf viewing.
Momiji-hari (autumn-leaf viewing) means visiting mountains and forests to enjoy the autumn leaves. Although it is called “hunting,” people do not actually catch the autumn leaves. This is because, in ancient times Hunting” meant going into the fields and mountains to look for natural things. hunting” was considered to be a “hunt”. Mushroom hunting and ebb and flow hunting are examples.
It is said that the name “Momiji-hari” comes from “looking for the blessings of the season in the great outdoors.
In other countries, autumn leaves only turn from yellow to brown. Bright red autumn leaves like Japanese maples are rare and attract foreigners with their beauty.
Japanese Events in November
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
November 15 | cordoning off | Event to celebrate 3- and 5-year-old boys and 3- and 7-year-old girls |
One of the most popular annual events in November is Shichigosan.
It is an event for children who have reached the age of 3, 5, and 7 to express their gratitude for their safe growth and to greet God for their continued healthy growth.
Some families wear kimonos at shrines and have their pictures taken with Chitose candy, and some take commemorative photos at photo studios.
In fact, originally the Shichigosan were three separate events.
- Age 3: Ceremony to place hair
…Ceremony to start growing hair - 5 years old: Hakama ceremony
…Ceremony for boys to start wearing Hakama - Age 7: Obi Unwinding Ceremony
…ceremony where girls begin to tie the same obi as adults
*All ceremonies were done in the counting years.
These three events were collectively called “Shichi-Go-San (Reference: When is Shichi-Go-San celebrated? (Reference: When is Shichi-Go-San celebrated? (Reference: When is Shichi-Go-San celebrated? The appropriate age for worshipping and photographing, and the recommended time in 2024.)
Looking at the content of the three ceremonies, it seems to me that they are events that celebrate the growth of the child and also welcome the child’s entry into the world of adults.
As a remnant of these three events, boys are also celebrated at the ages of 3 and 5, and girls at 3 and 7.
Japanese Events in December
Date | name | a few words |
---|---|---|
Around December 21 *Varies from year to year | winter solstice | The longest night of the year, when people prepare for the cold by taking a yuzu bath and eating pumpkin. |
Early December to around December 25 *Timing varies by region | end of the year | Custom of giving gifts to those who have helped you during the year |
December 31 | soba noodles eaten on New Year’s Eve | Soba eaten on New Year’s Eve for longevity and health |
December marks the winter solstice around the 21st.
The winter solstice is the longest night of the year and it is also the coldest day of the year. Therefore, taking a yuzu (citron) bath and eating kabocha (pumpkin) on the winter solstice has been a tradition since ancient times. Yuzu and kabocha are rich in nutrients that help prevent colds, making them ideal ingredients for a healthy winter.
In addition, year-end gifts are given to those who have taken care of us during this time of year. Although the timing varies somewhat by region, it is usually given between the beginning of December and around December 25. In Japan, it is also common to give year-end gifts to business partners, but in Europe and the United States, it is not customary to give gifts to business partners. Although there are similar customs such as sending Christmas cards, many foreigners are surprised at the Japanese year-end gift culture.
Also, New Year’s Eve soba (buckwheat noodles) eaten on New Year’s Eve is a typical Japanese annual event.
The reason for eating soba at the end of the year is to wish for a long and healthy life, just like the long and thin soba. And Soba is also meant to cut off bad luck It also means “to break off bad luck.
Introducing Traditional Japanese Events in English
Here are some example sentences useful for communicating Japanese events in English.
Example sentences in English|Japanese events in January
Let’s start by explaining the annual events of January in English.
- At New Year’s, Japanese people usually visit shrines and temples to pray for their family’s happiness and health.
- Japanese New Year’s is a time to go back to their hometown and spend a relaxing time with their family.
- In Japan, a ceremony called “Seijin-shiki” (Coming-of-Age Ceremony) is held to celebrate young adults.
Example sentences in English|Japanese events in February
Next, let’s try to explain the Japanese annual events in February in English.
- Setsubun is an event to ward off evil spirits, and people throw beans while shouting, “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi” (“Devils out, happiness in”).
- People eat a single sushi roll in silence, facing the direction of the year’s good luck at Setsubun day.
Example sentences in English|Japanese events in March
The annual events of March can be explained in English as follows.
- Hinamatsuri is a day of celebration for girls, celebrating the happiness and health of their daughters and decorating their houses with Hina dolls.
- You can enjoy special meals such as chirashi-zushi (scattered sushi), hamaguri (clams), Shirozake (sweet white sake) and hina-arare (sweetened rice- flour cakes for offering at the Dolls’ Festival) at this day.
- During the Ohigan period, people in Japan visit their ancestors’ graves to pay respects and offer a traditional sweet called “botamochi”.
Example sentences in English|Japanese events in April
Next, let’s try to explain the annual events of April in English.
- In April, cherry blossoms are in full bloom and Japanese people enjoy cherry blossom viewing.
- Japanese new fiscal year starts in April.
Example sentences in English|Japanese events in May
Next, here is an English text explaining the annual events of May.
- “Kodomo no Hi” was originally a day to celebrate the growth of boys, but now it has become a day to celebrate the happiness of all children, regardless of gender. “Kodomo no Hi” was originally a day to celebrate the growth of boys, but now it has become a day to celebrate the happiness of all children, regardless of gender.
- Families with boys decorate the outside of their houses with large fish decorations called “koinobori” to wish for the growth of their children.
- In Japan, there is a week-long vacation called “Golden Week” from the end of April to the beginning of May.
Example sentences in English|Japanese events in June
Let’s also look at the English text introducing the annual events of June.
- In June, Japanese people change their clothes from winter to summer in accordance with the ancient custom of kimono.
- In Japan, people eat mochi and octopus on the summer solstice.
Example sentences in English|Japanese events in July
Next, we will introduce an English sentence explaining the annual events of July.
- In the Tanabata legend, it is said that the stars HIKOBOSHI (Vega) and ORIHIME (Alta), two lovers, can meet only once a year across the Milky Way bridge.
- It is common to write your wish on a piece of paper and hang it on a bamboo.
Example sentences in English|August Events in Japan
Japanese annual events in August can be explained in English as follows.
- OBON is believed that the spirits of their ancestors come back to their family, and they spend a peaceful time together.
- During the Obon season, summer festivals are held all over Japan, including fireworks displays and Bon dances.
Example sentences in English|Japanese events in September
Next, let’s take a look at an English sentence explaining the annual events of September.
- September is the month of Otsukimi (the moon-viewing festival).
- On the day of Otsukimi, people offer rice dumplings and pampas grass to the moon.
Example sentences in English|October Events in Japan
Here are some English sentences describing annual events in October.
- Fall foliage hunting is not about raking leaves, but about visiting mountains and forests on a nice autumn day to enjoy the changing leaves.
- In Japan, you can also see maple leaves turning a vibrant red in autumn.
Example sentences in English|Japanese events in November
Next, let’s try to explain the annual events of November in English.
- Shichi-Go-San is a festival for children who have reached the ages of three, five, and seven years old to express their gratitude for their safe growth and Shichi-Go-San is a festival for children who have reached ages of three, five, and seven years old to express their gratitude for their safe growth and greet the gods for their continued healthy growth.
- During the Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three) Festival, children wearing kimonos and carrying chitose candy gather at the shrine.
Example sentences in English|Japanese events in December
Now, let’s also take a look at the English text describing the annual events of December.
- On the winter solstice, it has long been a tradition to take a yuzu bath and eat pumpkin, which is a traditional Japanese event to get over the winter.
- In Japan, people give gifts called “oseibo” at the end of the year to show appreciation to those who have helped them throughout the year.
- On the night of New Year’s Eve, Japanese eat New Year’s Eve soba (buckwheat noodles) to rid ourselves of the worries of the past year and welcome the New Year with a refreshed mind.
Extra Edition: Overseas Events that Evolved in Japan
Finally, here are some foreign-born events that have evolved uniquely in Japan.
There are many foreign-born events that have become a part of Japanese culture. For example, Valentine’s Day and Christmas are events that were introduced to Japan from overseas. Today, they have become major events in Japan.
However, there are many events that were introduced from overseas that have undergone their own unique changes in Japan.
Let’s take a look at some of the foreign events that have evolved in Japan that are surprising even to foreigners.
Japanese traditional events born overseas|February – Valentine’s Day
The first event that has undergone a unique change in Japan is Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day in Japan is, a day for women to give chocolate to men. The day is also known as “Valentine’s Day” in Japan.
On the other hand, Valentine’s Day in other countries is usually spent by men giving gifts to women and having dinner with their lovers. Gifts are not limited to chocolate, with some people giving bouquets of flowers, perfumes, travel vouchers, and so on.
It is well known that the culture of giving chocolate on Valentine’s Day in Japan spread as a strategy of chocolate companies. In recent years, “giri-chocolate” and “tomo-chocolate” have become increasingly common, and can be considered a uniquely Japanese style of Valentine’s Day.
Japanese traditional events born overseas|March: White Day
White Day in March is also a uniquely Japanese event.
White Day is not found overseas, so it is a Japanese-born event to be exact. However, since it is an event that was born in conjunction with Valentine’s Day, it can be said that it is a culture derived from an overseas event.
White Day is a day when men give gifts to women. There are many theories as to how White Day originated, but the most popular theory is that it was a strategy of Japanese confectionery companies.
Also White Day, born in Japan, has spread to Korea and China and China. White Day is slowly becoming more and more well-known, especially in Asia.
Japanese traditional events born overseas|October: Halloween
Halloween, which is in October, has become a standard event in Japan, especially among young people.
It is believed that the souls of the dead return on this day, It was a day to remember the deceased, dress up in costume, and socialize. It is said to be similar to “Obon” in Japan. In Japan, it is similar to “Obon”.
Halloween in other countries is not limited to costumes; in some areas, people eat in front of graves and play musical instruments.
Halloween in the United States has had a strong influence on Halloween in Japan. In the U.S., people dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating to their neighbors’ houses or hold parades. In Japan, people have a strong impression that Halloween is a day to dress up.
Japanese traditional events born overseas|December: Christmas
Finally, a Japanese event born overseas is Christmas.
Especially in Japan, Christmas Eve is a big event. Couples and friends enjoy an upscale dinner together, and eating chicken is also mainstream.
On the other hand, Christmas overseas is positioned as a “family vacation. In the U.K., restaurants and stores are completely closed, so to speak, It is like the end of the year and New Year’s in Japan. In the U.K., restaurants and shops are completely closed.
Many countries also have a strong commitment to Christmas trees, and it is not unusual to see real fir trees cut down or sold in supermarkets.
Annual events filled with Japanese spirit and aesthetics
Japanese annual events are filled with the spirit and aesthetics of good old Japan.
We can appreciate the beauty of the seasons, pray for someone’s health, show respect to our ancestors, and so on. By understanding the meaning of annual events, we can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese thought and culture.
By letting foreigners know about Japanese annual events, it will be a good opportunity for them to deepen their interest in and understanding of Japanese culture. When conversing with a foreigner, it is a good idea to ask about his/her annual events and culture, which will not only stimulate conversation, but also help you understand the differences in thought and culture.
Motenas Japan also organizes traditional cultural experiences for a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. We can arrange interpreters as well as customize the content of your project. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
We are working day and night to spread Japan’s unique hospitality culture to people around the world. Please feel free to contact us for any inquiries regarding the reception and hospitality of guests visiting Japan.