As the first sunrise of the year, known as Hatsuhinode, breaks over the Japanese archipelago, a quiet ritual unfolds in kitchens from Hokkaido to Okinawa. While the world may associate New Year’s Eve with revelry, the Japanese New Year (Oshogatsu) is a period of solemnity, family, and culinary symbolism. At the heart of this celebration […]

Tokyo, Japan – As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, ushering in a new year, Japan awakens to a tapestry of time-honored traditions. Among these cherished customs, one culinary delight stands out, embodying the spirit of renewal and good fortune: Ozoni. This steaming, savory soup, a staple on New Year’s Day morning, is more […]