A present from Santa Claus isn't the only gift that children in Japan look forward to each winter. There's another New Year's tradition among Japanese families that's particularly exciting for the younger members: the customary gift called “otoshidama.”
Otoshidama is a monetary gift given to children by adult relatives. The money is presented in special envelopes called “pochi-bukuro,” the designs of which range from simple and elegant, to cute and whimsical. A popular motif is the zodiac animal of the year, or iconic symbols of Japan, such as maneki neko, or daruma. You can even find pochi-bukuro featuring modern-day popular characters.
The History of Otoshidama
There are reasons to believe that the roots of otoshidama lie in Japanese folklore, and that the money given to children are simultaneously an offering to the “toshigami”, the Shinto deities of the New Year. In theory, the toshigami would serve as protectors of the children receiving the money.
There used to be a Shinto ritual during which round rice cakes, known as kagami-mochi, were offered to the god of the New Year. Once over, the worshippers were given a part. When they returned to their homes, they crushed the rice cake, wrapped the parts in paper, and shared them with the family and servants, which is the origin of Otoshidama. As time passed, when visiting relatives or friends homes during New Year’s Eve, it became customary to bring gifts, originally called onenshi. It is when they started to be given to children that “otoshidama” was born.
The actual custom of giving otoshidama dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when wealthy families and businesses distributed bags of mochi and mikan (a Japanese mandarin orange) to families as a way to spread happiness at the beginning of each year. (This is also related to the traditional New Year's kagamimochi.)
How Much to Give?
There are no strict rules regarding the amount of money given, but there is a rough guideline that many people follow. For example, 2,000 yen for preschool children, 3,000 yen for elementary school students, 5,000 yen for junior and high school students, and so on. The amount will also vary depending on your relationship with the child: your own, close family, friends’ children, etc. For children who are too young to understand the value of money, toys or other presents are given in lieu of cash.
How to Spend Otoshidama
Once children receive otoshidama, there is always the question of how it will be spent. Often, if large sums are given, parents will make children set aside at least a portion of it for their future savings, allowing the children to buy some small, inexpensive toys with the remaining amount. Sometimes children are allowed to use it for a special, expensive item they've been wanting. It all depends on the family. No matter how the money is spent, one thing that most Japanese children can agree on is that receiving otoshidama is one of the most exciting traditions of the New Year!
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Limited time offer: 10% discount coupons available now!
Recommended places for you
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Kamesushi Sohonten
Sushi
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Menu
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Hokkaido University
Other Architecture
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Step Into the Story: Inside Immersive Fort Tokyo
-
Everything You Need To Know About the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass
-
The CASIO S100: How CASIO's Masterpiece Calculator Redefines Business Elegance With Japan-Made Reliability
-
Best Things to Do in Tokyo in April 2024: Events, Festivals & More
-
15 Must-Try Restaurants in Ikebukuro: From Aged Yakiniku to All-You-Can-Eat Sushi, Plus Adorable Animal Cafés
-
A Complete Guide to the JR West Kansai Area Pass
-
35 Things to Do in Sendai: Festivals, Nature, and Attractions
-
Top 14 Tohoku Ski Resorts & Snowboarding Areas in 2023-2024 (Access/Tickets/Hotels)
-
Kesennuma City Memorial Museum (Ruins of Koyo High School): Telling the Story of the 3/11 Great East Japan Earthquake
-
7 Best Winter Events in Tokyo: Chilly Evenings, Shiny Holidays (November/December)
-
Michelin Star Restaurants & More: 3 Best Okonomiyaki Shops in Dotonbori Osaka
-
Top 10 Things to Do in Hokkaido During the New Year Holidays (2022–23 Edition)
- #best sushi japan
- #what to do in odaiba
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best ramen japan
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #things to do japan
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best coffee japan
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #best yakiniku japan
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks