Japan's New Year Traditions: Why My Grown Kids Still Get Otoshidama

Video Description

New Year in Japan has such a unique atmosphere, and today I’m bringing you along as I get my little house ready for Oshōgatsu — Japanese New Year! 🌅✨ From traditional decorations like kadomatsu, shimenawa made from rice straw, and Year of the Horse ornaments, to preparing otoshidama for my (grown!) boys… this time of year always feels special. In this vlog I show you: ➡️ How I decorate my front entrance for the Year of the Horse ➡️ The meaning behind Japanese New Year decorations (oshōgatsu kazari) ➡️ Why I still give otoshidama to my adult sons ➡️ The amounts usually given — and why 4 and 9 are avoided ➡️ A little chaos upstairs as I get the house ready for family visiting ➡️ What it’s like adapting to life in Japan as an Australian, one ordinary day at a time I love sharing these small moments of everyday life in Japan, and I hope this gives you a real look at how New Year is celebrated here — traditions, culture, and the cosy feeling of starting fresh. 💛 If you enjoy this video, please hit like, leave a comment, and subscribe — it helps the channel so much. And if you’d like to receive a seasonal postcard from Japan, join my Postcard Club here: 🌸 Postcard Club: http://ko-fi.com/chanijapan/tiers Shop my merch inspired by life in Japan: 👕 Chani Japan Store: https://chani-japan-shop.fourthwall.com/ Including my “Life is Journey / 人生は旅だ” designs and Millie merch! Learn Japanese with me: I am a university qualified High School Japanese Teacher 📚 Japanese basics course: https://www.chanijapan.com/ Thank you for being here and for supporting this little corner of Japan. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead — whether you’re celebrating in Japan or across the world. 🌿🐎 I look forward to seeing you in the next video 😀 @ChaniJapan #JapanNewYear #LifeInJapanVlog #Oshogatsu