Happy New Year
Like many cultures around the world, Japan celebrates the arrival of the New Year with hopes for joy, good fortune, and prosperity. While not adhering to the lunar calendar like some other Asian nations, the traditional Japanese New Year retains distinct Eastern cultural nuances.
Japanese New Year “Oshogatsu”
The traditional Japanese New Year, known as "Oshogatsu" (meaning "First Moon"), marks the beginning of the new year. The name itself reflects the custom of welcoming Toshigamisama, the deity of the New Year, who brings blessings of health, luck, and prosperity. Celebrated from January 1st to 3rd on the Gregorian calendar, Oshogatsu is one of Japan's most significant annual festivals.
A distinctive feature of Japanese New Year celebrations is the hanging of Shimekazari, decorative ornaments often found adorning doorways or family altars. Traditionally crafted from natural materials like hemp or rice and wheat straw, Shimekazari come in various forms, though the circular shape is most common.
For the Japanese, Shimekazari are believed to invite the gods of good fortune into their homes, bringing blessings of luck, peace, and good health in the new year. Beyond their cultural significance, these ornaments also possess artistic merit. The harmonious color combinations achieved through the use of natural materials create a visually stunning effect, reflecting the deep appreciation for aesthetics that characterizes Japanese culture.
Kadomatsu
Arriving in Japan during the first days of the year, you'll undoubtedly notice Kadomatsu standing proudly in front of many homes. This traditional Japanese New Year decoration is crafted from natural materials such as bamboo, pine, and other leaves, resulting in unique and visually striking forms that hold deep symbolic meaning.
For the Japanese, Kadomatsu are more than mere ornaments. They are considered sacred symbols. It is believed that on New Year's Eve, the gods descend to earth to bless each household, and these Kadomatsu serve as their welcoming points, bringing good fortune and prosperity.
The New Year "Lucky bag"
A unique aspect of Japanese New Year celebrations is the tradition of 'Fukubukuro' (福袋), literally translating to 'lucky bag.' In Japanese culture, the New Year symbolizes a fresh start, and 'Fukubukuro' embodies the spirit of good fortune and blessings.
On January 1st, and often throughout the first week of the year, retailers unveil these mystery bags filled with a random assortment of products. The allure of Fukubukuro lies in the unexpected value they offer – the total worth of the items inside typically far exceeds the bag's purchase price.
The excitement of opening a Fukubukuro is akin to unwrapping a gift, brimming with anticipation and the promise of delightful surprises. This tradition perfectly captures the spirit of the New Year, welcoming luck and prosperity for the year to come
From us to you
As 2024 comes to a close, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our incredible customers, partners for your continued support throughout the year. Your support, trust, and belief in what we do have made all the difference, and we couldn’t have come this far without you.
Thank you for being with us, and we look forward to growing and achieving more together in the year ahead.
areme team
Embrace the unexpected with areme's Fukubukuro for 2025. Enjoy a lucky dip of our signature fragrances for a truly unique experience.
Discover our special Gift Sets for the New Year, featuring areme's signature and most unique scents.
