Osechi is a long-standing Japanese tradition of celebratory dishes prepared to welcome the New Year.

Its origins trace back to “Sekkū” dishes offered to the gods at seasonal turning points.

As New Year's Day marked the most important seasonal festival as the start of the year,

Osechi has been prepared with various wishes for family health, abundant harvests, and prosperity.

■ The Meaning Behind Each Dish

 

Each dish served in osechi has its own auspicious meaning.

 

• Kuromame (Sweet black beans)

Symbolizes the wish to “work diligently” and “live a healthy, earnest life.”

• Kazunoko (Herring roe)

Symbolizes the prosperity of descendants, it represents wishes for family harmony and children.

• Tazukuri/Gomame (Candied sardines)

Historically used as fertilizer for fields, it carries the meaning of “bountiful harvests.”

• Kobumaki (Kombu kelp rolls)

An auspicious food, as “kombu” sounds like “yorokobu” (“to rejoice” in Japanese).

• Datemaki (Sweet rolled omelet)

 A dish wishing for “academic achievement,” as its scroll-like shape.

• Kuri-kinton (Sweet chestnut and mashed sweet potato))

Its golden color symbolizes “financial fortune” and “a prosperous year.”

・Ise-ebi (Japanese spiny lobster)

Symbolizes promotion, as it repeatedly molts during growth.

・Abalone

 Represents health and longevity due to its long lifespan.

 

In this way, osechi is not only meant to be enjoyed for its flavors, but also as a dish filled with prayers for family happiness.

 

■ Osechi Evolving with Modern Times

 

In recent years, osechi has continued to evolve to suit modern lifestyles.

Alongside traditional Japanese-style (two or three-tiered boxes), variations like Western-style and Chinese-style osechi have become increasing popular.

The choices for osechi continue to expand, including luxurious seafood-focused osechi, dishes with kid-friendly flavors, and special editions supervised by renowned chefs.

 

Furthermore, thanks to advancements in freezing and delivery technology, freshly prepared flavors can now be preserved and shipped nationwide, allowing people to enjoy regional specialties from the comfort of their homes.

 

■ Why Osechi is chosen for the New Year

 

Sharing osechi during the New Year is not only a cultural tradition in Japan but also a meaningful time for families to gather and strengthen their bonds.

 

Our company receives many orders annually from both domestic and international customers as a year-end seasonal offering, and we are pleased to have earned their satisfaction.

 

On this once-a-year occasion, we invite you to consider celebrating the New Year with osechi.

 

【Contact us】

Itabashi Trading Co., Ltd

Food Department　

TEL :+81-3-3248-1016（Workday 10:00～17:00）　

FAX :+81-3-3248-1008

Email: shokuhin@itabashi-trading.com