Explaining the meaning and origin of Shiwasu and Omisoka! A guide to year-end events and customs

Shiwasu refers to December, and as its name suggests, it is a busy time. During this time in Japan, many preparations and events overlap, which is why it gets even busier .

The word "Shiwasu" (the priest runs), as it is written, comes from the fact that in the olden days, monks would run around busily to visit each household at the end of the year. The hectic pace of the end of the year continues to this day, with preparations for New Year's Eve, major cleaning, and preparations for the New Year all piling up, emphasizing the busyness of Shiwasu .

As a custom, it is centered around preparations for the new year and can be said to be a uniquely Japanese tradition .

New Year's Eve is December 31st, a special day that symbolizes the end of the year . On this day, it is customary to eat toshikoshi soba noodles, with the long, thin noodles symbolizing a wish for longevity .

Also, on the night of New Year's Eve, the bells are rung to clear away earthly desires and prepare for the New Year. The bells are rung 108 times, which is said to be the number of earthly desires in humans , and the ritual is to clear away these and welcome the New Year with a pure mind.

These customs are widely practiced as traditional year-end events in Japan.

As we enter December, preparations for the New Year's holidays begin in earnest. Among these, the most important is the O-souji (big cleaning). O-souji is a major end-of-year event held to greet the New Year in a clean environment, and is a long-standing custom.

In addition, various events are held in each region as people make preparations for New Year's Eve. For example, people participate in the ringing of bells at shrines and temples , and take part in local New Year's Eve events. December is a busy month with many events.

Preparations for New Year's Eve include setting up kadomatsu and shimekazari decorations, and preparing New Year's food.

New Year's Eve is a special day to spend with family, and many households make preparations to welcome the New Year . Typical ways to spend the day include eating toshikoshi soba noodles and watching the Red and White Song Battle.

At the moment the year changes, countdown events are held and the whole family can enjoy the time to welcome the new year . Many families also visit nearby shrines to pray for the first time in the new year, showing the traditional Japanese scene of valuing family time together.

The countdown is featured on television and at local events, and is a day that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Preparing for the New Year's holidays is an important task from December through to New Year's .
Before the New Year, thorough cleaning and preparation of New Year's dishes are required, and these should be carried out in a planned manner.

Preparations that should be made during December include creating a schedule for a thorough cleaning and preparing New Year's decorations . It is also important to prepare thoroughly for the New Year by putting out Kadomatsu and Shimekazari decorations.

In addition, reservations and homemade preparations for New Year's dishes are also concentrated around this time of year. By organizing these in one checklist, you can make the New Year's holiday season go smoothly.

In Tokyo, many events are held on New Year's Eve , attracting both tourists and locals. The most famous events are the countdown parties and fireworks displays.

Additionally, first shrine visits of the year from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day are also popular, with historic shrines and temples such as Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple welcoming many visitors.

Many people visit these spots to pray for peace and health in the new year . On New Year's Eve in Tokyo, the whole city is enveloped in a New Year's mood, and you can enjoy a special time where traditional events and modern events blend together.

Shiwasu and Omisoka are both time periods that symbolize the end of the year, but there are differences in the events and ways of spending each . Shiwasu refers to the whole of December, and is a time when preparations and events for the end of the year are mainly carried out. On the other hand, Omisoka refers only to December 31st, and is a time when events specific to the New Year are concentrated.

While the spring cleaning and preparation of osechi dishes are done in December, preparations for the New Year's Eve bells, countdown, and first shrine visits are done on New Year's Eve. Understanding these differences can give you some hints on how to spend the New Year holidays more fulfillingly .

On New Year's Eve, many households eat toshikoshi soba noodles. This traditional dish is a must-have dish for New Year's Eve, and is meant to bring good health and longevity . Soba noodles are simple to make and can be easily prepared at home.

First, the key to boiling soba is to boil it for a short time and rinse it thoroughly in cold water. Typical toppings include shrimp tempura, kakiage, green onions, and yuzu. In addition to soba, the table is decorated with osechi dishes and other end-of-year feasts. These dishes are essential to making New Year's Eve special .

The key to reducing the busyness of December is to use time-saving techniques and convenient gadgets . First, cleaning robots and organizing and storage items are useful for efficient cleaning during the spring cleaning. Also, kitchen appliances such as electric pressure cookers and food processors are useful for preparing food.

By making full use of these items, you can significantly reduce the burden at the end of the year . In addition, by using a schedule management app, you can organize your schedule and complete tasks efficiently. With these tips, you can get through the busy month of December.

A variety of traditional events and festivals are held throughout Japan from December through to the end of the year. These events, which can be considered seasonal specialties of each region, strongly reflect the culture and customs unique to that region.

For example, in Kyoto, light-up events such as the "Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatoro" are held from early December, allowing you to enjoy fantastic scenery. Also, in Aomori, a winter festival that can be considered a smaller version of the "Nebuta" is held, allowing you to experience local culture. Furthermore, preparations for the Snow Festival are underway in Hokkaido, and there are many events to celebrate the New Year with a snowy landscape .

These events held all over the country are loved by many people as seasonal events that brighten up the end of the year . Use the national event calendar to plan your year-end events this year.

Omisoka has a long history as one of Japan's traditional New Year's Eve events . Its origins date back to the ancient past, when it was considered a day to give thanks at the end of the year and to prepare for the New Year.

In modern times, along with traditional customs, a variety of other ways to spend New Year's Day, such as watching television programs and holding countdown events, have been added, making it even more enjoyable.

Traditionally in Japan, people would typically eat toshikoshi soba noodles and listen to the bells ringing on New Year's Eve , but nowadays people also choose to spend the day with family and friends.
As you can see, the way people spend New Year's Eve has changed with the times, but at its core it all has the same common goal of welcoming the New Year with a refreshing feeling.

The year-end and New Year holidays are a special time when Japanese culture and traditions are strongly expressed . December is a busy time, with many preparations and events taking place, and New Year's Eve is when various customs are concentrated to mark the end of the year.

It is common to prepare for the New Year through events such as cleaning the house , toshikoshi soba noodles , and ringing the bells on New Year's Eve. You can also enjoy local culture by participating in end-of-year events held all over the country.

In this article, we have explained how to spend the time from December to New Year's Eve , as well as events and preparations you should make. Use this as a reference to have a fulfilling New Year's holiday.