Useful usage of「んだ」in Japanese

Summary

The video script discusses the importance of New Year in Japan, highlighting traditions such as thorough cleaning before the holiday, eating traditional 'osechi' dishes, and visiting shrines on New Year's Eve. It features a conversation between the host and Sayaka, who shares her family's customs, including eating 'toshikoshi soba' and attending shrines on December 31st. The script also touches on the challenges of traveling back to hometowns during this period.

Takeaways

• 🎉 New Year in Japan is a significant event with various customs and activities.
• 🧹 Before New Year, Japanese people engage in thorough cleaning, known as 'o-soji', which is the most extensive cleaning of the year.
• 🍣 'Osechi' is a traditional Japanese cuisine that families enjoy during New Year.
• 🍜 'Toshikoshi soba' is eaten on New Year's Eve (Omisoka) to wish for health and longevity in the coming year.
• 🏮 On New Year's Eve, families visit local shrines at night, often joining long queues and socializing with neighbors and acquaintances.
• 📅 December 31st is the day when families traditionally eat 'toshikoshi soba' and visit shrines for the first time of the new year.
• 🌆 Visiting shrines at night on New Year's Eve is a common practice, despite the crowds and long waiting times.
• 🚆 Many Japanese people return to their hometowns for New Year, leading to traffic congestion and difficulties in obtaining train tickets.
• 🏡 The speaker currently resides in Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku, which is a new place for them.
• 🌐 The conversation also touches on the speaker's experience of learning languages, including Japanese and Korean, and their travels.

Q & A

What is an important event for Japanese people during the New Year?

Oshogatsu, or the Japanese New Year, is a significant event where various activities are performed, such as cleaning and preparing traditional meals.

What is the significance of 'osechi' in Japanese New Year celebrations?

Osechi is a traditional Japanese New Year meal that is eaten with family, symbolizing good health and prosperity in the coming year.

What is the tradition of 'toshikoshi soba' on December 31st?

Toshikoshi soba is a type of soba noodles eaten on New Year's Eve to ensure good health throughout the coming year.

What is the typical activity on New Year's Eve in Japan?

Many Japanese families visit local shrines on New Year's Eve, often participating in a countdown and socializing with neighbors and acquaintances.

Why do Japanese people often return to their hometowns during the New Year?

It is a common practice for Japanese people to return to their hometowns during the New Year to spend time with family and reconnect with old friends.

What challenges do people face when traveling back to their hometowns during the New Year in Japan?

There can be significant traffic congestion and difficulty in obtaining train tickets, such as for the Shinkansen, due to the high volume of people traveling.

What is the role of a shrine visit during the New Year celebrations?

Visiting a shrine is a way to pray for good fortune and blessings in the new year, often involving a countdown to the new year at the shrine.

How has the practice of visiting shrines during the New Year changed over time?

While it used to be a yearly tradition for many, some people have noted that they do not visit shrines as frequently as they used to.

What does the phrase 'toshikoshi soba' literally mean and why is it eaten on New Year's Eve?

The phrase 'toshikoshi soba' literally translates to 'year-crossing soba' and is eaten to symbolize crossing from one year to the next in good health.

What is the significance of the countdown at the shrine during New Year's Eve?

The countdown at the shrine is a communal event that marks the transition to the new year, often accompanied by prayers and socializing.

How does the script reflect the cultural importance of family and community in Japanese New Year celebrations?

The script highlights the importance of family gatherings, such as eating osechi and toshikoshi soba, and community involvement, like visiting shrines and interacting with neighbors and old friends.