Osechi

Osechi-ryōri is a traditional Japanese New Year feast with origins tracing back to the Heian period. These special dishes are typically served in elegantly crafted boxes called jūbako, similar to bento boxes. Each item in the osechi spread holds symbolic meaning associated with New Year celebrations. Classic examples include daidai (Japanese bitter orange), datemaki (sweet rolled omelet), kamaboko (broiled fish cake), kazunoko (herring roe), konbu (seaweed), kuro-mame (black soybeans), and tai (red sea bream).

Originally, the term "osechi" referred to a season or significant period. The practice of celebrating specific days such as New Year's Day was influenced by Chinese customs. Traditionally, it was considered taboo to cook meals during the first three days of the New Year, with the exception of zōni, a soup made with mochi rice cakes. Over the years, the variety of foods included in osechi has expanded, incorporating dishes from other cultures, resulting in "Westernized osechi" and "Korean-style osechi" versions. While many families still prepare osechi at home, ready-made osechi is now easily available at specialty stores, supermarkets, and even convenience stores.

In households where osechi is homemade, it is customary to eat toshi-koshi soba (year-crossing soba) on New Year's Eve. This simple noodle dish symbolizes long life, health, and energy for the coming year. It is considered bad luck to leave any toshi-koshi soba uneaten. The traditions of osechi and toshi-koshi soba not only carry cultural significance but also offer practical solutions during the busy holiday period.