Osechi ryōri, the traditional New Year's meal

Every year, for the New Year, Japanese families gather around the osechi ryōri , this bento box composed of dishes specially designed for the New Year festivities.

It is presented in multi-tiered lacquered boxes called jubako , in the style of a bento.

They have several layers to represent the layers of happiness we wish for in the new year.

The tradition has evolved somewhat over time. The idea was to prepare enough meals in advance so that there would be no cooking to do during the three days of celebration, allowing everyone to fully enjoy time with their families. Dishes were therefore prepared that kept for a long time. But in reality, this tradition is now tending to fade away.

Each dish has a symbolic meaning, expressing wishes for the coming year, such as longevity, prosperity, good health, success, and wealth. The items placed in the bento are chosen according to the meaning one wishes to ascribe to them.

This meal is eaten both at breakfast and dinner, often accompanied by hot sake and a special broth called zōni .

There are two camps, as this tradition is very divisive: those who love this meal and those who find it rather bland… We'll let you form your own opinion.

Dishes and their meanings

• Kuroname : sweet black beans symbolizing health and vigor for work.

• Kazunoko : salted herring roe representing the hope of having many children.

• Datemaki : a sweet omelet roll resembling a scroll, symbolizing knowledge and success in studies.

• Kuri kinton : a puree of sweet potato and chestnuts whose golden color evokes wealth.

• Kamaboko : fish paste whose shape and color (often red and white) are associated with the celebration of the first sun of the year.

• Tazukuri : small caramelized dried fish symbolizing prosperity and abundant harvests.

• Ebi : grilled prawns with an arched back symbolizing longevity and a long life.

• Kobumaki : stuffed kombu seaweed rolls symbolizing joy and congratulations.

• Tai : glowing red grilled sea bream symbolizing luck and happy events.

• Kōhaku namasu : thin strips of pickled carrot and daikon symbolizing harmony and purity.

• Renkon : pierced lotus slices symbolizing a clear vision of the future.

• Kinpira gobo : sesame-fried burdock symbolizing stability and strength.

• Tazuna konnyaku : intertwined konjac knots symbolizing strong and harmonious bonds.

• Satoimo : small simmered taro leaves symbolizing family prosperity and numerous offspring.

• Chikuzen-ni : chicken and vegetable stew symbolizing the strength of the home and cooperation.

• Takenoko : bamboo shoots cooked in broth, symbolizing growth and elevation.

• Sekihan : sticky rice with red beans symbolizing purification and good fortune.

• Yōkan : a jellied red bean paste symbolizing strength and endurance.

• Hanabira mochi : delicate white mochi stuffed with various ingredients, symbolizing new beginnings and purity.

The shapes of the cuts reinforce the symbolism of the bento.

This highly ritualized meal is rich in symbolism and meaning within families. It's a way to ensure the best possible luck for the new year.

These pretty cut-out shapes enhance the elegance of this richly coloured bento.

• Kikka-giri (chrysanthemum cut) : cut in fine flared incisions, often for turnips, symbolizing purity and longevity.

• Rangiri (rotated diagonal cut) : oblique rotating cut applied to carrot or cucumber, symbolizing adaptability and harmony.

• Ichō-giri (ginkgo leaf cup) : a cup shaped like a ginkgo leaf, often for carrots, symbolizing prosperity and resilience.

• Hana-giri (flower cutter) : vegetables carved into flower shapes symbolizing beauty and blossoming.

• Matsuba-giri (pine leaf shaped cut) : cut into thin crossed strips symbolizing endurance and lasting luck.

• Tanzaku-giri (cut into small rectangles) : thin rectangular slices similar to votive papers symbolizing wishes and success.

• Sasagaki (bamboo shavings) : grated burdock in filaments imitating a bamboo leaf, symbolizing growth and uprightness.

• Sogigiri (bias cut) : slanted slices often used for fish, symbolizing elegance and finesse.

• Shiraga-giri (white hair cut) : very fine cuts of daikon symbolizing longevity and wisdom.

• Kazari-giri (decorative cup) : complex carvings (knots, spirals, patterns) symbolizing celebration and abundance.

• Kōhaku-giri (red and white) : combination of cut carrot and daikon, symbolizing harmony and luck (festive colors).

• Renkon-giri (lotus slice cutting) : circular slices with holes symbolizing visibility of the future and good fortune.