Japanese traditional annual events to introduce to foreigners with example sentences in English
A unique annual event that has been handed down since ancient times in Japan.
Annual events are traditional festivals and events that are held annually throughout the year.
The seasonal festivals and seasonal festivals are a part of Japanese culture and history, which are integrated into daily life.
We would like foreigners to enjoy this unique annual event of our country.
In this issue, we will focus on such traditional and historic Japanese annual events, along with English example sentences that can be used on social networking sites!
Typical Japanese Annual Events
Now, let’s take a look at a traditional Japanese annual event.
What is there to do in 12 months?
Let’s look at it month by month.
January – Mellow Month
January is the month that marks the beginning of the year.
The New Year’s Day celebration is very important for Japanese people to welcome the New Year.
New Year’s Day is celebrated with a New Year’s feast, a visit to a shrine for the first time, the first calligraphy session, the first pot of tea, rice gruel for the first seven days of the year, and Kagamibiraki, a traditional sake ceremony.
The New Year is a treasure trove of traditional Japanese events and culture.
At this time of year, one can feel a particular sense of Japanese culture and history in the midst of modern life.
Speaking of New Year’s, traditional New Year dishes such as osechi and ozoni are handed down from generation to generation in each locality and family.
Then in January, the Coming-of-Age Ceremony is held to celebrate and thank people for becoming adults.
New adults wear furisode (long-sleeved kimono), hakama (traditional Japanese male dress), and other traditional Japanese garments to visit shrines.
Recommended related past articles: Overseas New Year’s and Japanese Style New Year’s Party!
February, January
Setsubun day on February 3 is the day before Risshun (the first day of spring), and this day, when winter turns to spring, was known as Oshogatsu in the lunar calendar.
Setsubun means “division of the seasons” in the 24 seasonal divisions, but currently only February 3, the day before Risshun, remains as Setsubun with an event.
Originally, Setsubun was the day before Risshun, Risshatsu, Risshu, and Risshunyu.
In most Asian countries, Risshun is the day of the New Year, which is still celebrated with great enthusiasm.
The day of Risshun is a traditional event not only in Asia but also in Europe.
This day that will become spring has been eagerly awaited by people around the world since ancient times.
On February 3, Risshun, the first day of spring, people wear masks of ogres and gods of good fortune and say, “Oni wa soto, fuku no kami no mask! Fuku wa uchi wa uchi! and throw beans at houses and bodies to ward off bad luck and misfortune.
The head of a sardine is attached to a thorny holly branch and hung at the entrance or under the eaves to prevent evil spirits from entering the house, and the ehomaki is eaten silently facing the direction of good fortune for the year.
March Yayoi
March 3 is the Girls’ Festival, the Peach Festival.
This event has been passed down in Japan since ancient times to pray for the health and happiness of girls.
At homes where girls are born, dolls are decorated and celebrations are held with cute sweets, chirashizushi, and white sake.
In some areas, there is a custom of Nagashi Hina.
In March, the first day of spring is the middle of the three-day spring equinox, and the days before and after are the three-day spring equinox.
On the far shore, we hold memorial services for our ancestors.
Although there are various ways to make offerings according to religious sects, basically, botamochi are offered at gravesites and Buddhist altars.
Ohagi is the same as “ohagi” offered on the equinoxes of September and the autumnal equinox, but in spring it is called “botamochi” because of the peony flowers, and in autumn it is called “ohagi In the fall, it is called “o-hagi,” after the bush clovers.
And March in Japan is also the month that marks the end of the school year, and graduation ceremonies are held.
April – the month of the rabbit
April is the beginning of a new fiscal year.
With the entrance ceremony, the commencement ceremony, and the initiation ceremony, the new fiscal year begins along with the cherry blossoms.
Then cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan, and Japanese people enjoy viewing cherry blossoms.
The days are warming up, and with the strength of the buds, we take a step into a new life.
It is a uniquely Japanese custom to be able to start a new life while experiencing spring.
May Satsuki
May 5 is Dragon Boat Festival, Children’s Day.
In ancient times, it was a day to celebrate the growth of boys, but today it is considered a day of celebration for all children.
However, traditionally, families with boys still decorate their homes with carp streamers and helmets.
Eating Kashiwa Mochi and bathing in iris baths is one of the joys of the day.
Colorful carp streamers are very popular among foreigners, and small carp streamers are often chosen as souvenirs for foreigners visiting Japan during this season.
Golden Week is also a uniquely Japanese event, and is a very valuable vacation week for Japanese people who have few vacations.
June: Mizunashi
June is a change of clothes.
The custom from the change of kimono clothes still remains, and students change from winter to summer clothes.
And the rainy season is a characteristic of Japan at this time of year.
We are entering a season of daily rain and high humidity.
With the rain, trees that were freshly green become darker, and hydrangeas become more colorful and beautiful in the rain.
It is also in June that fireflies begin to appear.
This is a month when the beauty of nature stands out amidst the rain.
This is also the time when green plums begin to appear, and it is the season for preparing wonderful Japanese preserved foods such as pickled plums and plum wine.
June 21 also marks the beginning of summer as it is the day of the summer solstice.
July – Literary month
July 7 is Tanabata day.
Weaver and Hikoboshi meet once a year across the bridge of the Milky Way.
Legend has it that two people will make their wishes come true at this time, and they write their wishes on five colored strips of paper.
Decorations made of tanzaku strips and beautifully colored paper are tied to bamboo leaves.
The sound of bamboo leaves rustling in the early summer breeze and the colorful strips of paper and decorations are wonderful.
Some areas hold grand Tanabata festivals to celebrate the beginning of summer.
In addition, during the hot season in mid-July, hot summer omails are sent to those who have taken care of you.
The summer season begins around the same time as Shochu Omimai, and it is said that it is good to eat foods with “u” in them as a dietary cure to survive the severe heat.
Eels are the most typical, but dried plums, cucumbers, and udon noodles are also eaten in some areas.
August Foliage
Obon is a summer event to enshrine the spirits of ancestors, and is a fusion of the ancient Japanese belief in ancestral spirits and Buddhism.
While some regions celebrate Obon in July, most regions celebrate Obon in August.
Therefore, many people take summer vacation during the Obon season in August as Obon vacations, and return to their parents’ homes and other places to welcome the spirits of their ancestors with their families during the week when they return.
At the beginning of the Bon festival, a welcoming fire is lit and a horse made of cucumbers is offered to the gods.
At the end of the week, a bonfire is sent off and a vegetarian stream is floated, and a cow made of eggplant is offered to the people.
It is a family’s wish that the guests arrive early on horseback on the way to the destination and return slowly on oxen on the way back home.
During the Obon season, summer festivals are held in many parts of Japan, including fireworks displays and Bon Odori dancing.
Wearing a yukata to a festival is also a fun way to spend a summer evening in Japan.
September – Long month
September is the month of the moon.
On the night of the fifteenth night of the year, 15 rice dumplings, taro, and the seven herbs of autumn are offered.
The moon is also called “Imo Meigetsu” because taro is offered as an offering, and people enjoy the coming of autumn while gazing at the beautiful full moon.
September 9 also falls on Chou-you-no-Sekku, which is either Chrysanthemum Festival or Chestnut Festival.
Today, it is not a major annual event because the old calendar has been replaced by the new calendar, which has shifted the timing of the chrysanthemum blooming and the chestnut harvest.
The event is very elegant, however, and people enjoy sake with chrysanthemum petals floating on it, chrysanthemum tea, and other delicacies.
The number 9 is said to be the most extreme number of yang in the Yin-Yang Tao, and on this day, people pray for good health and longevity.
And while September marks the beginning of a new school year in other countries, in Japan, September marks the beginning of the second semester.
October – Godless month
October is said to be the month of kaminashi, or “godless month,” except in Shimane Prefecture, where gods from all over Japan gather at Izumo-taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture for a meeting to determine relationships between people.
So God will be away on a business trip for a month, which is a month without God.
It is considered to be a kaminashi month.
Only in Shimane Prefecture, where Izumo-taisha Shrine is located, it is called Kamiyu-getsuki.
Then in October, the leaves begin to change color and Momijigari (autumn leaves viewing) is held.
Autumn leaf viewing does not mean mowing the leaves, but rather visiting mountains and forests on a pleasant autumn day to enjoy the autumn foliage.
The origin of the word “hunt” is said to be “to go into the fields and mountains to search for and receive the blessings of the season,” so “autumn-leaf viewing” is called “autumn-leaf viewing” because of the desire to “receive the blessings of the beauty in nature.
In most other countries, autumn leaves are yellow to brown, so the bright red color of Japanese maples is very rare.
November – Frost month
The November annual event is the Shichi-Go-San.
During this time of year, you will see many cute children dressed in kimono and holding Chitose candy at shrines.
Shichigosan is a time to give thanks for the safe growth of children who have reached the ages of three, five, and seven, and to greet God for their continued healthy growth.
On November 23, there is a harvest festival, Shinmae-sai.
It is a festival to thank the gods for the year’s newly harvested crops and dedicate them to pray for fertility in the coming year.
The Labor Thanksgiving Day on November 23 is based on this festival, and is a time to give thanks not only for the joy of the harvest, but also for all the hard work that has been done.
It is a national holiday on the day of
It is said that it is good to put out a kotatsu or heating apparatus on November 11, the day of the Boar’s child, when the first signs of winter begin to appear.
And on the day of the Boar’s Day, Boar’s Rice Cakes are served at the opening of the tea ceremony.
December: The Master’s Day
Around December 22, we reach the winter solstice, the most extreme point of winter.
On the winter solstice, taking a yuzu bath and eating kabocha (pumpkin) is an old tradition in Japan to get through the winter.
And gifts for those who have helped us during the year.
Year-end gifts are given from the beginning of December to around the 25th of December.
Christmas in Japan is very unique; it is not a national holiday and the 24th of the Holy Night is more important than the 25th, and it is considered a day to spend with loved ones and friends rather than a day to spend with family as in the West.
Also, many Japanese eat Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas night.
This is because people in other countries are surprised to the point of sitting up and taking notice.
Children wait for Santa Claus and enjoy Christmas cake.
In December, preparations for the New Year’s celebration begin as the year comes to a close.
All over Japan, markets and sales strategies for selling New Year’s goods and good luck charms, known as “year-end markets,” can be seen, adding color to the liveliness of the city at the end of the year.
And for Japanese people, the most important preparation for the New Year is cleaning.
Cleaning up is cleaning up and starting the New Year with a good feeling.
It is a very Japanese culture.
On New Year’s Eve, people eat New Year’s Eve soba noodles and ring the temple bell to get rid of the worries of the year and welcome the New Year with a clear conscience.
A recommended book for learning about annual events: “365 Days, Koyomi of Living” by Zoei Inoue:
Recommended past articles about traditional Japanese culture and customs can be found here! :
What is traditional Japanese culture? | A list of 50 types of performing arts and more
9 examples of Japanese customs that are difficult for foreigners to understand:
How to communicate Japanese customs and manners in English.
Example sentences for introducing traditional Japanese events in English
Here are some example sentences that may be useful when communicating Japanese events in English.
With simple English example sentences, we can use them on SNS and short messages along with nice photos to spread Japanese events around the world!
Example sentences for explaining Japanese events in January in English
– At New Year’s, Japanese people usually visit shrines and temples to pray for the happiness and health of their families.
At New Year’s, Japanese people usually visit shrines and temples to pray for their family’s happiness and health.
– During New Year’s in Japan, people return to their hometowns and spend time with their families.
Japanese New Year’s is a time to go back to their hometown and spend a relaxing time with their family.
– Osechi dishes are usually eaten at New Year’s, and each ingredient and dish is usually associated with a meaning or wish.
At New Year’s, we eat Osechi (Japanese New Year’s food), and each ingredient and dish usually has its own meaning and wishes.
Example sentences for explaining Japanese events in February in English
– Setsubun is an event to ward off evil spirits, and people throw beans while shouting “Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi.
(May the devil be outside and good fortune enter)
Setsubun is an event to ward off evil spirits, and people throw beans while shouting, “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi.
– On Setsubun day, people eat one futomakizushi silently facing the direction of good fortune for the year.
On Setsubun, people eat a single sushi roll in silence, facing the direction of the year’s good luck.
Example sentences for explaining Japanese events in March in English
– Hinamatsuri is a day of celebration for girls, when they celebrate the happiness and health of their daughters and decorate their homes with dolls.
Hinamatsuri is a day of celebration for girls, celebrating the happiness and health of their daughters and decorating their houses with Hina dolls.
– On this day, you can enjoy special meals such as chirashizushi, hamaguri (clams), shirozake (white sake), hina-arare (hina-arare), and more.
On this day, you can enjoy special meals such as chirashi-zushi (scattered sushi), hamaguri (clams), Shirozake (sweet white sake) and hina-arare ( sweetened rice-flour cakes for offering at the Dolls’ Festival).
– In Japan, March is the end of the fiscal year.
In Japan, March marks the end of the school year.
Example sentences for explaining Japanese events in April in English
– In Japan, the new fiscal year begins in April.
The new fiscal year in Japan starts in April.
– In April, cherry blossoms are in full bloom and Japanese people enjoy cherry blossom viewing.
In April, cherry blossoms are in full bloom and Japanese people enjoy cherry blossom viewing.
– In Japan, there is a week long vacation called “Golden Week” from the end of April to the beginning of May.
In Japan, there is a week-long vacation called “Golden Week” from the end of April to the beginning of May.
Example sentences for explaining Japanese events in May in English
– Children’s Day was originally a day to celebrate the growth of boys, but now it has become a day to celebrate the happiness of all children, regardless of gender.
“Kodomo no Hi” was originally a day to celebrate the growth of boys, but now it has become a day to celebrate the happiness of all children, regardless of gender. “Kodomo no Hi” was originally a day to celebrate the growth of boys, but now it has become a day to celebrate the happiness of all children, regardless of gender.
– Families with boys usually decorate the outside of the house with a large fish decoration called “Koinobori” to wish for the growth of their children.
Families with boys decorate the outside of their houses with large fish decorations called “koinobori” to wish for the growth of their children.
Example sentences for explaining Japanese events in June in English
– In June, Japan enters the rainy season and rainfall becomes more frequent.
In June, Japan enters the rainy season and it rains a lot.
– June in Japan is often rainy, but the hydrangeas and fresh greenery are very beautiful.
It rains a lot in June in Japan, but the hydrangeas and fresh greenery are very beautiful.
– In June, Japanese people change their clothes from winter to summer clothes in accordance with the old kimono custom.
In June, Japanese people change their clothes from winter to summer in accordance with the ancient custom of kimono.
Example sentences for explaining Japanese events in July in English
– According to the Tanabata legend, lovers Hikoboshi (star Vega) and Weaver (star Alta) can meet only once a year across the bridge of the Milky Way.
In the Tanabata legend, it is said that the stars HIKOBOSHI (Vega) and ORIHIME (Alta), two lovers, can meet only once a year across the Milky Way bridge.
– Legend has it that if you make a wish to Vega and Alta on this day, your wish will come true.
People usually write their wishes on a piece of paper and hang it on a bamboo.
Legend has it that if you make a wish to Vega and Alta on this day, your wish will come true. It is common to write your wish on a piece of paper and hang it on a bamboo.
Example sentences for explaining Japanese events in August in English
– It is believed that the spirits of ancestors return to their families during Obon, allowing families to spend peaceful time together.
OBON is believed that the spirits of their ancestors come back to their family, and they spend a peaceful time together.
– During the Obon season, summer festivals are held throughout Japan, including fireworks displays and Bon Odori dancing.
During the Obon season, summer festivals are held all over Japan, including fireworks displays and Bon dances.
Example sentences for explaining Japanese events in September in English
– In other countries, September is the beginning of a new school year, while in Japan, September is the beginning of the second semester.
In other countries, September is the beginning of the new school year, but in Japan, September is the beginning of the second semester.
– September is the month of tsukimi.
September is the month of Otsukimi.
– Otsukimi is held on the night of the 15th month of the lunar calendar, when 15 dumplings, taro, and the seven plants of autumn are offered to the moon.
Otsukimi is on the night of the fifteenth lunar month, fifteen Dango, taro, and seven autumnal herbs are offered to the moon.
Example sentences for explaining Japanese events in October in English
– At Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture, it is said that in October, all the gods of Japan gather for a meeting to decide the relationship between people.
At Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture, it is said that in October, all the gods in Japan gather for a meeting to decide the relationship between people. people.
– Autumn leaf viewing does not mean raking leaves, but rather visiting mountains and forests on a pleasant autumn day to enjoy the autumn foliage.
Fall foliage hunting is not about raking leaves, but about visiting mountains and forests on a nice autumn day to enjoy the changing leaves.
Example sentences for explaining Japanese events in November in English
– Shichigosan is a festival for children who have turned 3, 5, and 7 years old to thank God for their successful growth and to greet God for their continued healthy growth.
Shichi-Go-San is a festival for children who have reached the ages of three, five, and seven years old to express their gratitude for their safe growth and Shichi-Go-San is a festival for children who have reached ages of three, five, and seven years old to express their gratitude for their safe growth and greet the gods for their continued healthy growth.
– During the Shichi-Go-San period, cute children in kimono and carrying Chitose-ame (candy for one thousand years) gather at shrines.
During the Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three) Festival, cute children wearing kimonos and carrying chitose candy gather at the shrine.
Example sentences for explaining Japanese events in December in English
– On the winter solstice, it is an old Japanese tradition to take a yuzu bath and eat kabocha (pumpkin) to get through the winter.
On the winter solstice, it has long been a tradition to take a yuzu bath and eat pumpkin, which is a traditional Japanese event to get over the winter.
– In Japan, it is popular to eat cake and fried chicken (especially KFC!) at Christmas.
In Japan, it is popular to eat cake and fried chicken (especially KFC!) on Christmas.
– On New Year’s Eve, people eat New Year’s soba (buckwheat noodles) and ring the temple bell to get rid of the worries of the year and welcome the New Year with a refreshed spirit.
On the night of New Year’s Eve, we eat New Year’s Eve soba (buckwheat noodles) and ring the New Year’s bell to rid ourselves of the worries of the past year and welcome the New Year with a refreshed mind. welcome the New Year with a refreshed mind.
Past articles to read in conjunction with this one:
7 Tips for Communicating Japanese Culture in English and Example Sentences for Expatriates
summary
In our busy lives, it has become difficult to live with the changing seasons.
At such times, we can feel the seasons in our hearts with nostalgic memories by suddenly experiencing the traditional events that have been handed down in Japan since ancient times.
Even if it is only for a moment, the soft warmth envelops us.
We would like visitors from abroad to be aware of such traditions in this country.
日本独自のおもてなし文化を世界中の人へ広めるために日夜努力しています。外国人の方の接待やおもてなしのご相談はお気軽にご連絡ください。お問い合わせはこちら
