The New Year
Traditions in Japan

Essay Writing Competition 2024
Category: 8 - 11 years
- Commendation -

Junior category: Commendation

"The New Year"- Essay by Mana Yamauchi from Japan

The New Year

The New Year is starting. I can’t believe it. Golden streams of sunshine pour in from the windows, as I open my eyes, gleaming with excitement. New Year is always perfect.

I gaze out of my window to find plum blossoms in bloom, its petals as white as a cloud and as smooth as silk. I step into the dining room hoping to join the chatter, but soon my body is swarmed by the delicious smell of Ocechi and Mochi.

Ocechi is a variety of dishes stuffed into a box called jubako. Jubako is a bento-like box with ancient Japanese patterns printed on it. Our jubako, as black as midnight, reflects the gentle morning sun and the pink cherry blossoms printed are as graceful as swans. I cast my gaze to the dishes to find colourful shrimps, sweet beans, roasted chestnuts…

I wish I had 10 eyes so that I could see them all. But soon, my eyes are attached to the Mochi on the table. Steaming hot, as white as snow. Azuki, kinako, or seaweed. I wonder what my first mochi of the year will be.

I pull out my kimono from the cabinet and adore the graceful cranes printed onto the fine cloth. The cloth is a shade of deep red - bright, but again deep as the ocean. After putting it on, I pause to admire myself in the mirror, grateful to be wearing such fine clothing. After putting it on, I head to a zinzya or a temple with my family.

The New Year’s air seems fresh and cool to my nose. Even my brother seems to be skipping on his way. The gray stone stairway and torii come into sight. On the side is a hand wash, where we wash our hands before touching the sacred spaces. Then, I go to pray. To the gods of nature, to the gods of life and to the gods of peace and to Buddha. The most common way of praying is to bow once, clap twice ;after praying, bow once.

Most Japanese people follow a mixed religion of Buddhism and Shintoism. Finally, it’s my turn to pray. After bowing and clapping, I take a deep breath as I make my wish…

For me, New Year is always a time to think of my goals and ambitions. But I know that praying isn't as effective as hard work. I know I’ll work harder than ever to achieve my goals - so I can achieve my dreams; I’ll become an inspiring writer.

In the Age category 8 - 11 years, Mana's lovely essay about the New Year traditions in Japan is commended. Congratulations on your outstanding essay, Mana!

Mana Yamauchi attends Minami Yurigaoka Elementary School in Kawasaki, Japan. Japanese is the home language.