What is Ganjitsu? Understanding Japan’s New Year Tradition
What if the start of a new year wasn’t just a date on the calendar, but a sacred moment when a divine spirit visits your home, bringing blessings for the year ahead?
In Japan, Ganjitsu—January 1st—is far more than just New Year’s Day. It marks a deeply spiritual beginning, rooted in ancient customs and reverence for Toshigami, the Shinto deity of the New Year. From welcoming the first sunrise to sharing symbolic dishes and visiting shrines, the day is filled with traditions that blend gratitude, celebration, and heartfelt wishes for peace and prosperity.
In this article, we explore the meaning, customs, and enduring magic of Ganjitsu—a day when the spiritual and seasonal rhythms of Japan come beautifully together.
Toshigami: The Sacred New Year Deity and Its Role in Japanese Traditions
Many Japanese New Year customs have strong roots in Shinto beliefs, especially the reverence for Toshigami—the divine spirit believed to visit every household at the start of the year.
Toshigami is regarded as an ancestral deity who brings blessings of a bountiful harvest, good health, and general prosperity. To welcome this sacred visitor, Japanese families decorate their homes with traditional items such as kadomatsu (pine decorations), shimenawa (sacred ropes), and kagami mochi (layered rice cakes). These decorations are not only ornamental but serve as sacred offerings or vessels for Toshigami’s presence.
How Japanese People Celebrate Ganjitsu: Key Traditions
Hatsuhinode: Watching the First Sunrise of the Year
A cherished custom is to witness the first sunrise of the year, called hatsuhinode. Many travel to scenic mountains, beaches, or rooftops to see this sacred moment symbolizing renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings. Making wishes during hatsuhinode is a common practice.
Hatsumode: The First Shrine Visit of the Year
Hatsumode is the tradition of visiting a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple on January 1st. People pray for safety, good fortune, and happiness in the coming year. Visitors often draw omikuji (fortune slips) and purchase omamori (protective charms) as part of this deeply rooted ritual.
Osechi Ryori: Traditional Japanese New Year Cuisine
Osechi ryori is a special assortment of symbolic dishes served in beautifully stacked boxes called jubako. Each dish carries meaningful wishes:
- Kuromame (black soybeans) symbolize health and diligence
- Kazunoko (herring roe) represent prosperity and fertility
- Kombu (kelp) is a play on the word yorokobu, meaning joy
Prepared well in advance, osechi allows families to relax and enjoy the first days of the New Year without cooking.
Otoshidama: New Year’s Money Gifts for Children
Children receive otoshidama, cash gifts presented in decorative envelopes known as pochibukuro. This joyful tradition delights children and strengthens family bonds during the New Year celebrations.
Modern Ganjitsu: National Holiday and Family Time
Ganjitsu is a national holiday in Japan, with schools and many businesses closed. Families often spend the day at home, enjoying osechi, watching special New Year’s TV programs like comedy shows and the famous Hakone Ekiden marathon relay, and relaxing together.
Although many stores start New Year sales and sell fukubukuro (lucky bags), these typically begin on January 2nd. January 1st remains a peaceful, home-centered day focused on family and tradition.
The Spirit and Meaning Behind Ganjitsu
The Japanese proverb “Ichi nen no kei wa gantan ni ari”—“A year’s plan starts on New Year’s Day”—reflects the true spirit of Ganjitsu.
This day encourages setting intentions, reflecting on the past, and embracing the future with hope. By honoring Toshigami and engaging in time-honored customs, the Japanese begin their year with gratitude, renewal, and determination for the months ahead.