Embracing New Year Traditions: Celebrating Oshogatsu in Japan

Japanese New Year, known as Oshogatsu, is a time for family gatherings and cultural traditions, celebrated uniquely across the country. For many expatriates, including Brianna Ravina, this holiday season served as both a chance to reflect on personal traditions and experience new ones in a foreign setting.

Exploring New Traditions

After experiencing a distinct Christmas season in Japan, Ravina welcomed the New Year with a blend of nostalgia and exploration. Traditionally, the New Year is a time for family reunions and festivities. However, having spent the holiday season away from home, Ravina noted that her New Year celebrations were quieter than usual, lacking the vibrant family dinners and games she typically enjoys.

Despite the subdued atmosphere, she cherished the time spent with friends before they returned to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. This year, instead of large gatherings, Ravina found joy in visiting two picturesque locations: Sapporo and Otaru, both situated a few hours west of her home in Ashoro.

Adventures in Sapporo and Otaru

In Sapporo, Ravina explored the city’s renowned underground shopping centers, Pole and Aurora Town, and made a point to visit the iconic TV tower. On New Year’s Day, she took a train to Otaru, where she was greeted by breathtaking views of the ocean en route to the Otaru Aquarium.

One of the highlights of her trip was her first experience snowboarding at a ski resort in Otaru. While the mountains are smaller compared to those in Canada, she found the environment ideal for learning. Ravina expressed excitement about the possibility of exploring more ski slopes in the future.

Reflecting on her time in Japan, Ravina expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season in new and meaningful ways. The connection between Wetaskiwin and Ashoro has been strengthened since 1990, when the Wetaskiwin Ashoro Friendship Affiliation Agreement was signed, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two towns.

As the New Year unfolds, Ravina looks forward to experiencing more firsts and immersing herself in the rich traditions of Japan. The ability to blend personal traditions with local customs highlights the beauty of cultural exchange during this special time of year.