January – Little Japan Dictionary

20th January – 睦月

正月遊び（Shougatsu-Asobi）No. 1 Traditional games that are played often in Oshougatsu time. In Japan, Many kids used to play traditional games in Oshougatsu time. However, because of many reasons including the advance of video games, nowadays people rarely play traditional games. Here are some of the extinguishing games: 羽根突き　（Hanetsuki） Badminton-alike game. Can play solo or 2Continue reading “20th January – 睦月”

15th January – 睦月

小正月　（Koshougatsu） The period putting the New Years’ decoration at home, ends on 15th January. Koshougatsu is the day to send the home coming god 歳神様(Toshigami Sama) to the sky. Koshougatsu is the day to wish for the great harvest for the year. It is also known as 女正月(Onna-shougatsu), the resting day for the ladies whoContinue reading “15th January – 睦月”

13th January – 睦月

成人の日　-　Seijin-no-hi The day to aware that one became an adult and decide to live independently. Celebration for the people who turn to be 20 in the year. Conducted on the second Monday on January. This year 2020, Seijin-no-hi falls in Monday 13th January and there will be many 18-19 years old girls and boys wearingContinue reading “13th January – 睦月”

9th January – 睦月

お参り　- Omairi When you go to the shrines and temples, there are specific ways to worship the gods or Buddha. Even many of Japanese do not know how to worship (お参り Omairi), so maybe you can be the role model for them at the temples or shrines! Shrine Bow one time before going into theContinue reading “9th January – 睦月”

6th January – 睦月

書初め　（Kakizome） Japanese Calligraphy (習字 shuji) which has traditionally conducted on 2nd January, writing new year resolution on shodou Paper. In the old time, it was only done by nobility. Nowadays most people do not do this in the traditional way, making the ink with the water which was taken for the first time in the veryContinue reading “6th January – 睦月”

1st January – 睦月 (Mutsuki)

明けましておめでとうございます (Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu) — Saying to each other and celebrate the New Year. Thanking the gods for letting people pass through the previous year safely, and celebrating about welcoming the gods again to earth. A Happy New Year! In Japan, it is the celebration of welcoming the gods who bring happiness, harvest andContinue reading “1st January – 睦月 (Mutsuki)”