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Summary

This video explores New Year traditions in Japan, contrasting them with those in Indonesia. It highlights key customs such as the New Year's greeting 'Yoi Otoshio', family gatherings, and unique foods like Toshi Soba, Ochi, and Mochi. The script also covers the cultural practices around watching popular TV shows like Kohaku Uta Gassen and Gaki no Tsukai, as well as the tradition of Lucky Bags. Viewers are invited to reflect on what aspects of Japanese New Year customs they'd like to experience and compare them with their own traditions in Indonesia.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japanese people commonly greet each other with 'Yoi Otoshio' at the end of December, meaning 'Happy New Year' in preparation for the upcoming year.
• 😀 The greeting 'Yoi Otoshio' can be used formally for superiors and in professional settings, while a shorter version, 'Yoi Photoshow', is casual and for friends.
• 😀 In Japan, there is a cultural tradition of exchanging greetings before and after New Year's, unlike in many other countries where it's only said after the year starts.
• 😀 The end of December is a time for families in Japan to gather, travel back to their hometowns, and enjoy the New Year's celebrations together.
• 😀 Japanese schools and universities typically have a two-week vacation around New Year's, making it a prime time for family reunions.
• 😀 Many shops in Japan close from December 29th to 31st, so tourists are advised not to visit during this period if they want to experience the usual attractions and shopping.
• 😀 On New Year's Eve (December 31st), Japanese people traditionally eat 'Toshi Soba', a type of noodle symbolizing longevity.
• 😀 Popular TV programs on New Year's Eve in Japan include 'Kohaku Uta Gassen', a music show featuring popular songs, and 'Gaki no Tsukai', a comedy show that entertains viewers throughout the night.
• 😀 On January 1st to 3rd, traditional New Year's foods like 'Osechi', a set of dishes symbolizing various wishes for the new year, and 'Mochi' and 'Zoni', a rice cake soup, are eaten.
• 😀 Another New Year's tradition in Japan is the 'Fukubukuro' (Lucky Bag), where shops sell mystery bags filled with discounted items, often ranging from a few hundred yen to several thousand yen.

Q & A

What is the Japanese phrase commonly used at the end of December to wish others a Happy New Year?

The phrase commonly used in Japan at the end of December is 'Yoi Otoshio' (Good New Year), which is a formal way of wishing someone a happy new year. A more informal version, 'Yoi Photoshow', is used among friends and peers.

What does 'Yoi Otoshio' mean, and when is it said?

'Yoi Otoshio' means 'Good New Year,' and it is said before the New Year begins, as a way to wish someone well for the upcoming year. It is not said after New Year's Day but during the final days of December.

Why is it important to understand the cultural context of saying 'Yoi Otoshio' in Japan?

In Japan, it is a tradition to greet others with specific phrases before and after the New Year. Understanding this practice helps in maintaining respectful social interactions, especially in formal settings or with superiors.

What are some typical traditions in Japan during the New Year?

In Japan, typical traditions include gathering with family, visiting hometowns, and celebrating together. People often enjoy meals like 'toshikoshi soba' (buckwheat noodles), which symbolize longevity. Most businesses close from December 29th to 31st, and people avoid traveling during this period.

Why are flights expensive around New Year's time in Japan?

Flights are expensive during the New Year period in Japan because many people travel to their hometowns to reunite with family, which causes a spike in demand for transportation.

What food is traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve in Japan?

On New Year's Eve, Japanese people traditionally eat 'toshikoshi soba,' a dish of buckwheat noodles symbolizing longevity, as part of welcoming the New Year.

What TV shows are popular in Japan during New Year's Eve?

Two of the most popular TV shows in Japan on New Year's Eve are 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' (a music show featuring popular songs of the year) and 'Gaki no Tsukai' (a comedy show that is known for its hilarious skits).

What are 'lucky bags' (fukubukuro), and how do they work in Japan during New Year?

'Lucky bags' (fukubukuro) are special promotional items sold by stores in Japan after New Year's. They contain mystery products, and the price is often lower than the actual value of the items inside, making them a popular New Year tradition for shoppers.

What types of foods are consumed in Japan during the first few days of January?

During the first few days of January, Japanese people eat special foods like 'Osechi' (a selection of foods symbolizing various wishes for the new year), 'mochi' (rice cakes), and 'zoni' (a soup containing mochi).

What is a cultural difference between New Year's traditions in Japan and Indonesia?

In Japan, there is a strong cultural emphasis on preparing and celebrating the New Year with specific foods and customs, such as the New Year's greetings and family gatherings. In contrast, Indonesia might focus more on communal festivities and fireworks, with less emphasis on formal greetings before the new year.