Japanese Tradition and Customs on New Year
What type of greeting cards do Japanese people typically send before the New Year?
ねんがじょう (Nenga jou)
What is the term for the New Year Bell in Japan?
じょやの かね (Joya no kane)
Name the food that Japanese people eat on Christmas day
（KFC） ケンタッキー・フライド・チキン
Read 一月一日
いちがつ ついたち （Ichigatsu Tsuitachi）
What is the current year in the Chinese zodiac?
へび どし （Hebi doshi)
What is the term used in Japan for the year-end deep cleaning tradition?
おおそうじ (Oosouji)
What is the term for New Year's Eve in Japan?
おおみそか （Oomisoka）
What do you call the variety of foods arranged in a jubako and eaten during the New Year?
おせちりょうり (Osechi ryouri)
Read 二千二十五年
にせん にじゅう ご ねん
What is your zodiac sign?
In order to get point, you must say in Japanese
What is the name of the tradition of giving money as a gift, and who typically receives it in Japan?
1. おとしだま （Otoshidama)
2. こども （Kodomo）
What is the traditional New Year greeting card called in Japan?
ねんがじょう （Nenga jou)
What is the name of the noodle traditionally eaten as the last meal of the year in Japan?
としこし そば （Toshikoshi soba）
Read 今年
ことし（Kotoshi)
This Year
What is the Chinese zodiac sign for the upcoming year?
うまどし （Umadoshi)
What is the name of the first calligraphy done on New Year's Day in Japan?
かきぞめ （Kakizome)
Which TV show do Japanese people typically watch featuring a singing competition during the New Year season?
こうはく うた がっせん (Kouhaku Utagassen)
What is the name of the mochi in the soup traditionally eaten on New Year's Day in Japan?
おぞうに （Ozouni)
Read お正月
おしょうがつ (Oshougatsu)
New Year
What is it called when Japanese people go to certain places in the morning to see something special?
はつひので
What are the traditional decorations used to invite good luck and drive away bad spirits through house decorations at the start of the new year?
かどまつ (Kadomatsu) and しめかざり (Shimekazari)
Why is it important for Japanese people to prepare おせちりょうり (Osechi Ryouri) before the New Year?
Japanese people prepare おせち料理 (Osechi Ryouri) before the New Year to avoid cooking during the first few days of the year, allowing families to relax and focus on celebrating. Traditionally, the New Year is considered a time to rest and welcome the gods of the year (年神様, Toshigami-sama), so preparing meals in advance ensures the kitchen remains undisturbed. Additionally, knives are not used during the New Year period to avoid "cutting ties" or severing good fortune.
Read お年玉
おとしだま (Otoshi dama)
Money gift for children on New Year day
What is another way to say January 1st?
がんじつ (Ganjitsu)