Hello.
How did you spend the end of the year? I hope you got to take some moment to relax after a successful end to your work and housework. I plan to go back to my hometown and have a relaxing holiday after a long time. (I wrote this blog on November 28th,2021)
I wish all of you a great year. I want to rebuild my daily routine to produce good habits this year. What’s your new year’s resolution?
Decorate Kadomatsu* to welcome Toshigami-sama**
We also sometimes deliver Kadomatsu to our customers at the end of the year. It is magnificent with the combination of pine, bamboo, and plum. We decorate it with nandina berries and Kuma bamboo grass as the finishing touch.
*Kadomatsu is a decoration with three cut pieces of bamboo and pine for the Japanese New Year’s holiday. It takes on the role of a sign at an entrance of houses to welcome Toshigami-sama.
**Toshigami-sama is a Shinto deity who is thought to visit house after house at New Year’s to bring happiness to people.
The bamboo looking like smiling in the cut end, the plum tree covered with moss, and bright red nandina berries are all bringers of good luck, which is the perfect preparation for welcoming Toshigami-sama respectfully.
Kadomatsu set up at the entrance to houses or shops will make Oshogatsu (New Year’s) vibes. I hope you stay warm with Osechi (a variety of food with auspicious meanings served in special boxes) and Ozoni (a special miso-based soup including rice cake). Please keep warm if you go out for Hatsuuri shopping!
Best wishes for a healthy, safe 2022!
———————————————————————————————————————————————
New Year’s holiday information
Last business day of 2021: December 29
Opening day of 2022: January 7
We will be closed for the winter holidays on the above schedule and apologize for any inconvenience caused. Thank you for your continued cooperation this year, and wishing you a happy New Year!