Our farm is guarded by an owl (and our kind neighbours) while we are away.

It is almost New Year’s Day, which is the biggest celebration in Japan, and the preparation has already begun.

Family routine of New Year’s Eve in my childhood was visiting a nearby shrine around midnight, praying for happiness for the coming year and warming up at the bonfire. I visited the shrine today and saw that woods for the bonfire are ready.

At home, we have displayed “Kagami-mochi” in order to welcome god of the new year.

It consists of 2 round pieces of mochi (rice cakes) and a citrus fruit called “daidai” on top. The name kagami (mirror) came from the shape (round) of mochi and the belief that mirrors were sacred. “Daidai” is used in hope of family’s many generations’ (daidai) prosperity.

Tomorrow my mom and I will go to a local market and start making new year dishes.

Wishing all of you happiness and peace for a new year!