UPDATE: This Thursday, January 1, 2024, marks New Year’s Day in Japan, a significant occasion filled with deep-rooted rituals and traditions. Japanese households are hurriedly preparing to cleanse their homes of the old year’s dust and settle all debts, a task that can be daunting for many, especially those with long-term loans.
As families place kadomatsu—traditional bamboo and pine decorations—at their entrances, the symbolism of flexibility and longevity resonates deeply. On New Year’s Eve, families savor Japanese soba noodles, believed to bring long life if not broken during cooking. This comforting dish, known as Toshikoshi Soba, is a staple during the colder December nights and a warm welcome to the new year.
For those preparing this beloved dish, here’s a quick recipe that serves two:
Ingredients:
– 1 package dried soba noodles
– 8 slices of kamaboko (fish cake)
– 4 tablespoons dried wakame seaweed
– 2 green onions
– Broth:
– 6 cups water
– 2 pieces dashi kombu
– 2 cups katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes)
– 2 tablespoons sake
– 4 tablespoons mirin
– 4 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Preparation Steps:
1. Soak dashi kombu overnight in water.
2. Bring the broth to a near boil, remove kombu, and add katsuobushi. Simmer for 30 seconds before turning off the heat.
3. Strain and season with sake, mirin, soy sauce, and salt.
4. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions and rinse.
5. Serve noodles in bowls, topped with broth, kamaboko, wakame, and green onions.
Another cherished delicacy is kazunoko, or salted herring roe, which must be prepped days in advance. Families often find joy in splurging on this delicacy, available only once a year. Here’s a simple marinating method:
Ingredients:
– 4 ounces kazunoko
– 1/2 cup dashi
– 1-1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake
Preparation Steps:
1. Soak kazunoko in water overnight.
2. Boil dashi, soy sauce, and sake; let cool.
3. Marinate kazunoko in the seasoned dashi overnight.
Lastly, the sweet rolled omelet known as datemaki is another New Year’s favorite. Made with fish paste and eggs, this dish adds a unique texture to the holiday feast.
Preparation Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Blend hanpen, mirin, sugar, and salt until smooth.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes in a lined pan until set.
4. Roll using a bamboo mat, compress, and refrigerate to shape.
As families across Japan rush to finalize their preparations, the air is filled with anticipation for the rituals that signify new beginnings. The emotional impact of these traditions is profound, reminding individuals of their roots and the collective hope for prosperity in the coming year.
With just hours left until New Year’s Day, the excitement is palpable. Watch for how these traditions unfold and resonate within communities across Japan as they ring in 2024.
