Festive Dishes That Bind Hearts and New Year’s Prayers

Happy New Year, everyone!
“On this first day of the new year, as snow falls on this early spring morning, may good fortune abound.”
— Otomo no Yakamochi, Manyoshu

They say that years with heavy snow often bring bountiful harvests. May this year bring fair weather and abundant blessings to you all.

As a New Year’s tradition, you may have your own family customs. In our household, we prepare black soybeans, dried cod, candied sardines, herring roe, simmered vegetables, and our family’s traditional ozoni soup passed down from our ancestors. We savor these dishes while enjoying a slow and relaxed time together.

With such festive foods on the table, there’s no need for extravagant items like shrimp or sea bream. Over time, this has become our family’s way of celebrating. Reflecting on it, I’ve realized that New Year’s dishes are more than just auspicious symbols of health and abundance. They teach us humility, foster gratitude for nature and our environment, and above all, bring people together. These meals represent the rich heritage of local culture and traditions, connecting us to the future through the shared act of gathering around the table.

Thanks to the support of many, we’ve been fortunate to celebrate each New Year with these special dishes. However, there are those who are alone without family to share a meal with, or who lack the means to enjoy such fare. Each time I reflect on food, I am reminded of this reality.

The unique flavors of each household, carefully arranged on favorite plates and laid out on the dining table—this is something that cannot be found in any store. Now, please raise your glasses.

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead. Best wishes for 2024!