Japanese New Year (Shogatsu): Ringing in the New Year with Tradition and Joy

Shogatsu, the Japanese New Year, is a celebration of renewal, hope, and togetherness. Rooted in rich traditions, it’s a time to reflect, set intentions, and enjoy iconic customs.

At Tengu Sake, we’re here to help you bring the spirit of shogatsu into your home with festive dishes and sake traditions. Here’s how to celebrate in style!

Traditions of Shogatsu: A Celebration of Symbolism

Picture a beautifully arranged box filled with colourful dishes – that’s osechi-ryori, a culinary masterpiece designed to bring good fortune for the year ahead. Each dish tells its own story:

• Kuromame (Black Soybeans): For health and diligence.
• Kazunoko (Herring Roe): A symbol of abundant family prosperity.
• Datemaki (Sweet Rolled Omelette): Representing knowledge and success.
These aren’t just foods – they’re wishes for a brighter year served on your plate!

Toshikoshi Soba: Noodles of Longevity

On the eve of Japanese New Year, it’s tradition to enjoy a comforting bowl of toshikoshi soba. The long, unbroken noodles symbolize a long and healthy life, perfect for crossing into the New Year with strength and resilience.

Hatsumode: Welcoming Good Fortune

Start shogatsu with positivity by visiting a shrine for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. Families gather to make wishes, draw fortunes, and collect good luck charms – it’s a beautiful way to welcome the New Year.

The Role of Sake: Toasting to Health and Happiness

O-toso: A New Year’s Ritual Like No Other!

Shogatsu wouldn’t be complete without o-toso, a unique and symbolic Japanese New Year tradition. But what is o-toso? Think of it as Japan’s answer to mulled wine – a spiced sake or mirin steeped with aromatic herbs. Far more than just a drink, o-toso is a ritual that brings families together to toast to good health, ward off bad luck, and welcome prosperity for the year ahead.

And the best part? You can make it yourself!

DIY O-toso Recipe

Bring the tradition of O-toso, a New Year’s spiced sake, into your home with this simple recipe. O-toso is traditionally made with a blend of herbs and spices called tososan, but since it’s difficult to find in the UK, here’s how to recreate it.

Ingredients:

• 360ml dry sake (e.g. Red Face Junmai Karakuchi): Perfect for its balanced, easy-drinking nature and warm, satisfying flavours when heated.
• 1 small piece of dried cinnamon
• 2 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 1 slice of dried ginger

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and dried ginger in a teapot or heat proof container.
2. Add Sake: Pour the sake over the spices.
3. Steep: Cover and let the mixture steep for at least 6–8 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavours to blend.
4. Warm It Up: Before serving, gently heat the sake to around 45°C (warm, not boiling).
5. Serve: Strain the spices and pour into small cups to share with family or guests.

Why Red Face Junmai Karakuchi?

This dry sake is a versatile all-rounder that transforms beautifully when warmed. Its creamy rice flavours, subtle fruits, and satisfying warmth make it the ideal choice for your shogatsu o-toso.

Now you’re ready to bring a little Japanese New Year magic to your celebrations!

Sakes to Elevate Your Shogatsu Table

If you’re skipping o-toso but still looking for the perfect New Year’s sake, we’ve got you covered!

Mid-Range Favourites:

• Yauemon “Silent Forest” Junmai Ginjo: Its natural spiced undertones and festive feel make it a cozy choice.
• Kenbishi Mizuo “Chronometer” Junmai: Bold, umami-rich, and excellent served warm – perfect for the season.

High-End Celebration Sakes:

• Noguchi Junmai Daiginjo 2018 Vintage: A luxurious muroka nama genshu that’s ideal for toasting special moments.
• Yukiyuzawa “Snowy Peak” Junmai Daiginjō Genshu: Elegant, complex, and made for unforgettable celebrations.

Celebrate Shogatsu at Home with Tengu Sake

You don’t have to be in Japan to embrace shogatsu traditions. With Tengu Sake, you can bring the spirit of the Japanese New Year to your celebrations:

✨ Pair premium sake with your holiday meals.
✨ Raise a glass of o-toso to toast to good health and prosperity.

Ready to celebrate? Explore our sake collection and make your shogatsu unforgettable.

Kanpai to a Joyful New Year!

Tengu Sake Team