New years Eve in Tohoku New years day is an important day for Japanese people. Before greeting the New year, we will perform a variety of traditional customs on this day. ■New Year’s Bell at the Temple in Tohoku - (Jyoya no kane) - All area of Tohoku On New Years Eve, temple bells are rung 108 times, corresponding to the Buddhist concept of 108 worldly desires. In snowy Tohoku, you can feel a calm and quiet atmosphere listening to the bell in the snow. rurubu/season/winter/oshogatsu/list_joya.aspx?AC=1 (Japanese Only) ■Namahage - Akita On New Year’s Eve, young men dressed as Namahage go from house to house shouting loudly “Are there any crybabies here? Any kids who don’t listen to their parents?” to the people of Oga, the Namahage are visiting gods that come with the New Year to warn against laziness, and bring protection from illness and disasters, a good harvest, and plentiful food from the mountains and sea. The houses that welcome the Namahage prepare traditional food and sake and offer it graciously to them. namahage-oga.akita.jp/english/index.html https://youtube/watch?v=R9Gy9mKZDfE ■Nameta Garei Fish - Sendai, Miyagi Nameta Gareri fish is an essential food of new years eve in Sendai. Thick meat and lots of large eggs, simmered in soy sauce. wishing for the prosperity of the family. city.sendai.jp/ichiba/1215880_2487.html (Japanese Only) ■Asaichi Morning Market - Sendai, Miyagi Morning market crowded with people who wants to buy food for the New Year. You can find fresh and tasty food at reasonable prices. sendaiasaichi/ (Japanese Only)
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 04:21:38 +0000