The Japanese culture takes New Year’s Day very seriously in all aspects. Most importantly, the food you eat has a huge role in how the new year is going to be for you. Each food that is served goes through a delicate process in order to be made and they all have a specific meaning, from how they taste to what they are made of, and even down to the shape they come in.
Kombu- Rolled up kelp that has a bamboo tie around it. It symbolizes ‘Yorokobu’ which means to have joy and happiness.
Kazunoko- One of the strangest delicacies served on Japanese New years. It is pickled herring roe and it represents fertility and being blessed with many children.
Renkon- This is one of the most important foods served on Japanese New years. Renko, otherwise known as lotus roots, helps you see the future and gives you the chance to make a wish for a happy and obstacle free future!
Kuromame- This sweet dessert is sugar-soaked black beans that are served towards the end of the feast. It's prominent round shape is supposed to give you the quality of being well rounded and as sweet as it tastes.
Kamaboko- A fish cake that has a hot pink outside and a white center. The pink part of the fish cake prevents evil spirits from intruding on your life, while the white represents purity. Along with that, the circular shape of kamaboko represents a sunrise and the start to a new day.
Tamagoyaki- This food takes a while to make due to the timely process of slowly rolling an egg into a perfect rectangle. As a result of its scroll-like appearance, it represents reading, learning, and culture.
Written by Amelie, staff reporter