あけましておめでとうございます。Happy New Year! 2015 is officially here.Hope everyone had an amazing celebration for New Years! 2015 is the year of sheep. We call it Hitsuji doshi (未年、ひつじどし) in Japanese.

It’s New Year, so let me go over some of the key items.

Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu. ~ あけましておめでとうございます。

Happy New Year is Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu (あけましておめでとうございます) in Japanese. You can simply say, Akemashite Omedetou (あけましておめでとう) among close friends and family members. It is polite to say this to neighbors, friends, co-workers etc when you first meet the person after the New Year.

Osechi Ryori ~ おせち料理、おせちりょうり

During the first few days in January, it is common to eat this special boxed food called Osechi Ryori (おせちりょうり、おせち料理) in Japan. Typical ones we normally eat are, shrimps, black beans, and chestnut, Kamaboko (fish cake), Kazunoko(herring roe). Other ingredients might depend on the family tradition and each region.

Hatsumoude ~初詣、はつもうで

The very first visit to the temple during New Years. Most people make a visit to a temple or shrine between January 1st through January 3rd. It is to start your year with fresh mind, wishing good luck for the year to come. It is often very crowded but it is worth the visit!

Hatsuhinode ~ 初日の出、はつひので

It is considered a good luck to see the first sunrise of the year. People often go out to the coast or climb the mountain to watch the first sunrise in the morning of January 1st. It is breathtaking when you see the clear picture of the rising sun in front of you. People often make a wish for the year while looking at the amazing view of the sun.

Hatsuyume ~ 初夢、はつゆめ

The very first dream you have during the New Years is called, Hatsuyume. Hatsu in Japanese means “the very first”. Either it was a good dream or bad dream, your very first dream is what it is. Hope it was a great one!

New Years is probably the biggest celebration of the year in Japanese culture. Family often get together during the New Years to enjoy New Year’s food and company. Hope everyone is enjoying your own New Years. Happy New Year! I hope 2015 will be a great year for everyone out there!