大晦日の過ごし方を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問・詳細情報を通して、大晦日に関する英語表現を学びます。
記事の最後には、音声での深掘り解説もあります。リスニング力アップや、内容をさらに深く知りたい方におすすめです。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 大晦日とは
- 12月31日に、一年の締めくくりとして、感謝を捧げ、新しい年を迎える準備をする日
- 家族や友人と一緒に、伝統行事を楽しむ文化がある
- 大晦日の主な伝統行事
- 年越しそば:大晦日の夜に食べるのが一般的、
- 細く長いそばが「長寿」を象徴し、切れやすいことから「厄を断ち切る」という意味もある
- 除夜の鐘:仏教の習慣で、108回鐘を鳴らして人間の煩悩を浄化する儀式、多くのお寺で行われ、一部では参拝者が鐘をつくことも可能
- 紅白歌合戦:NHKが放送する音楽番組で、紅組（女性歌手）と白組（男性歌手）が競う、大晦日の定番イベント
- 年末の大掃除
- 年末に家をきれいに掃除し、新しい年を清潔な環境で迎える
- 12月30日までに終わらせるのが一般的
2人が大晦日について話しています。
大晦日の年越しそば、除夜の鐘、紅白歌合戦の視聴、年末の大掃除の習慣などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey, Key, I just realized Ōmisoka is coming up soon. I’m really curious about how it’s celebrated in Japan. Do you mind explaining some traditions to me?
Of course! Ōmisoka is a big deal here. It’s the last day of the year, so people spend it preparing for the new year. For example, many families eat Toshikoshi Soba in the evening.
Soba noodles? What’s the story behind that?
The long noodles represent long life, and since soba is easy to cut, it also symbolizes cutting off bad luck from the past year. It’s like a fresh start for the new year.
That’s a nice concept. Do people eat it exactly at midnight?
Not usually. Most people eat it earlier in the evening. Midnight is more for listening to the Joya no Kane.
Oh, I’ve heard about that! It’s the temple bell, right? Why do they ring it 108 times?
Yes, it’s a Buddhist tradition. The number 108 represents human desires or worries, called “bonnō” in Japanese. The bell rings to clear those desires and purify your mind for the new year.
That sounds so peaceful. I’d love to experience it. Do people gather at temples for this?
Definitely. Many temples let visitors listen to the bells, and some even let you take a turn ringing the bell yourself. It’s a great experience.
I’ll add that to my list. What about earlier in the day? Is there anything else people do?
Oh, absolutely. Most families do Ōsōji, which means a big cleaning. It’s like resetting your home—getting rid of dust and clutter to welcome the new year in a clean space.
I like the symbolism of starting fresh. Do people do this on Ōmisoka itself?
Not really. Most families finish Ōsōji by December 30 so they can relax on Ōmisoka and focus on other traditions.
That makes sense. Do you watch that big music show too? What’s it called again? Kō-something?
Kōhaku Uta Gassen! It’s a music competition where male and female singers perform. The red team is women, and the white team is men. Families usually watch it together while relaxing at home.
Sounds fun! Do you have a favorite performance from past years?
Not really, but it’s always exciting to see the creative stage designs and costumes. Some performances are very nostalgic, while others feature the year’s hottest artists.
I’d love to watch it this year. After all that, what’s the next step? Is it Hatsumōde?
Exactly. Hatsumōde is the first shrine visit of the new year. People pray for good health and luck. But if you want to go to a popular shrine like Meiji Shrine, prepare for long lines.
Do people go right at midnight?
Some do, but others wait until January 1 or even later. If you go at midnight, it’s more crowded, but the atmosphere is amazing.
I’ll try to experience it. Is there anything special I need to prepare for Hatsumōde?
Bring some small coins for osaisen (offering), and if you have old charms from last year, you can return them to the shrine. It’s also good to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes since you might wait in line.
That’s great advice. Thanks, Key! I feel like I’m ready to experience my first proper Ōmisoka.
No problem, Mack. It’s a beautiful way to end the year and start fresh. Enjoy it!
概要 / Overview
「大晦日」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
大晦日
What is Ōmisoka?
Ōmisoka is the Japanese word for New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31. It is a very important day in Japan because it marks the end of the year and the preparation for the new one. On this day, people reflect on the past year and get ready for a fresh start. Many traditional customs and activities are connected to Ōmisoka, making it a meaningful event for families and individuals.
Eating Toshikoshi Soba
One popular tradition on Ōmisoka is eating Toshikoshi Soba, or “year-crossing noodles.” These buckwheat noodles are eaten in the evening and have a special meaning. The long shape of the noodles represents long life, and their easy-to-cut texture symbolizes cutting off bad luck and hardships from the past year. It’s a simple but meaningful meal to wish for a good start to the new year.
Listening to Joya no Kane
Another important activity on New Year’s Eve is listening to the Joya no Kane, or temple bells. Many Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times. This number represents the 108 human desires or worries, called “bonnō” in Japanese. Each ring is meant to cleanse one desire, purifying the mind and spirit for the new year. Some temples allow visitors to ring the bells, making it a special experience.
Watching Kōhaku Uta Gassen
Ōmisoka is also a time for entertainment, and many families watch Kōhaku Uta Gassen on NHK. This is a famous music show where male (White Team) and female (Red Team) singers compete. It features Japan’s most popular artists and creative performances, making it a fun way to relax and spend time with family before the year ends.
Preparing for the New Year
Before Ōmisoka, many families complete a tradition called Ōsōji, or big cleaning. This is done in late December to clean the house and prepare for the new year in a fresh, tidy environment. People also get ready for Hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the year. They may prepare small coins for offerings, return old charms, and plan their visit to pray for health, luck, and happiness.
A Meaningful Celebration
Ōmisoka is more than just the end of the year. It’s a time to reflect, let go of bad memories, and prepare for a fresh start. With meaningful traditions like eating soba, listening to temple bells, and cleaning the house, Ōmisoka helps people welcome the new year with a clear mind and a hopeful heart.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「大晦日」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is Ōmisoka?
Ōmisoka is the Japanese word for New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31. It marks the end of the year and is a time for reflection and preparation for the new year.
2: What do people eat on Ōmisoka?
People eat Toshikoshi Soba, or “year-crossing noodles,” on Ōmisoka. These long noodles symbolize long life and cutting off bad luck from the past year.
3: Why do temples ring bells 108 times on Ōmisoka?
Temples ring bells 108 times as part of the Joya no Kane tradition. The 108 rings represent human desires or worries, which are cleared away to purify the mind for the new year.
4: What is Kōhaku Uta Gassen?
Kōhaku Uta Gassen is a famous music show broadcast on NHK on New Year’s Eve. It features male and female singers competing in teams and is a popular tradition for families.
5: What is Ōsōji?
Kōhaku Uta Gassen is a famous music show broadcast on NHK on New Year’s Eve. It features male and female singers competing in teams and is a popular tradition for families.
6: When do people usually visit temples or shrines for Hatsumōde?
People visit temples or shrines for Hatsumōde, the first prayer of the new year, at midnight on New Year’s Eve or on January 1.
7: What do people prepare for Hatsumōde?
People prepare coins for offerings, return old charms, and dress warmly to visit temples or shrines for Hatsumōde.
8: Why is Ōmisoka important in Japanese culture?
Ōmisoka is important because it is a time to reflect on the past year, clear away negativity, and prepare for a fresh start in the new year.
9: What does Toshikoshi Soba symbolize?
Toshikoshi Soba symbolizes long life due to its long shape and cutting off bad luck because it is easy to cut.
10: How do families usually spend Ōmisoka evening?
Families often eat Toshikoshi Soba, watch Kōhaku Uta Gassen on TV, and reflect on the year together in a relaxed atmosphere.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey, Key, I just realized Ōmisoka is coming up soon. I’m really curious about how it’s celebrated in Japan. Do you mind explaining some traditions to me?
ねえキー、もうすぐ大晦日だって気づいたよ。日本ではどうやって過ごすのか、とても興味があるんだ。いくつかの伝統を教えてくれる？
Of course! Ōmisoka is a big deal here. It’s the last day of the year, so people spend it preparing for the new year. For example, many families eat Toshikoshi Soba in the evening.
もちろん！大晦日は日本でとても重要な日だよ。一年の最後の日だから、新年を迎える準備をするんだ。例えば、夜に年越しそばを食べる家族が多いよ。
Soba noodles? What’s the story behind that?
そば？その由来は何なの？
The long noodles represent long life, and since soba is easy to cut, it also symbolizes cutting off bad luck from the past year. It’s like a fresh start for the new year.
長いそばは長寿を象徴しているんだ。それに、そばは切れやすいから、過去の厄を断ち切る意味もあるんだよ。新年を新たな気持ちで迎えるって感じだね。
That’s a nice concept. Do people eat it exactly at midnight?
素敵な考え方だね。みんな真夜中に食べるの？
Not usually. Most people eat it earlier in the evening. Midnight is more for listening to the Joya no Kane.
そうでもないよ。ほとんどの人は夜の早い時間に食べるんだ。真夜中は除夜の鐘を聞くための時間だよ。
Oh, I’ve heard about that! It’s the temple bell, right? Why do they ring it 108 times?
あ、それ聞いたことある！お寺の鐘だよね？なんで108回も鳴らすの？
Yes, it’s a Buddhist tradition. The number 108 represents human desires or worries, called “bonnō” in Japanese. The bell rings to clear those desires and purify your mind for the new year.
うん、それは仏教の伝統なんだ。108という数字は人間の煩悩を表していて、それを鐘の音で清めて新年を迎えるためなんだよ。
That sounds so peaceful. I’d love to experience it. Do people gather at temples for this?なんだかとても心が落ち着きそうだね。実際に体験してみたいな。みんなお寺に集まるの？
Definitely. Many temples let visitors listen to the bells, and some even let you take a turn ringing the bell yourself. It’s a great experience.
もちろん！多くのお寺で鐘を聞けるし、場所によっては自分で鐘をつけるところもあるよ。とてもいい体験だよ。
I’ll add that to my list. What about earlier in the day? Is there anything else people do?
それを予定に加えておくよ。それで、大晦日の昼間には何か他にすることはあるの？
Oh, absolutely. Most families do Ōsōji, which means a big cleaning. It’s like resetting your home—getting rid of dust and clutter to welcome the new year in a clean space.
ああ、もちろん！ほとんどの家族が大掃除をするよ。家をリセットする感じで、ほこりや不用品を片付けて新年を清潔な環境で迎えるんだ。
I like the symbolism of starting fresh. Do people do this on Ōmisoka itself?
新しい気持ちでスタートする象徴がいいね。それって大晦日当日にやるの？
Not really. Most families finish Ōsōji by December 30 so they can relax on Ōmisoka and focus on other traditions.
そうでもないよ。ほとんどの家族は12月30日までに大掃除を終わらせて、大晦日はリラックスして他の伝統を楽しむんだ。
That makes sense. Do you watch that big music show too? What’s it called again? Kō-something?
なるほど。それと、あの有名な音楽番組も見る？なんて名前だったっけ？コー何とか？
Kōhaku Uta Gassen! It’s a music competition where male and female singers perform. The red team is women, and the white team is men. Families usually watch it together while relaxing at home.
紅白歌合戦だよ！男性と女性の歌手が競う音楽番組なんだ。紅組が女性で、白組が男性。家族でリラックスしながら一緒に見るのが普通だよ。
Sounds fun! Do you have a favorite performance from past years?
面白そうだね！過去の出演でお気に入りのパフォーマンスはある？
Not really, but it’s always exciting to see the creative stage designs and costumes. Some performances are very nostalgic, while others feature the year’s hottest artists.
特にないけど、クリエイティブなステージや衣装を見るのはいつも楽しいよ。懐かしい歌もあるし、その年の人気アーティストも登場するんだ。
I’d love to watch it this year. After all that, what’s the next step? Is it Hatsumōde?
今年はぜひ見たいな。それで、その次は何をするの？初詣かな？
Exactly. Hatsumōde is the first shrine visit of the new year. People pray for good health and luck. But if you want to go to a popular shrine like Meiji Shrine, prepare for long lines.
そうだよ。初詣は新年最初の神社参拝だよ。みんな健康や幸運を祈るんだ。でも明治神宮みたいな人気の神社に行くなら、長い行列に覚悟してね。
Do people go right at midnight?
みんな真夜中に行くの？
Some do, but others wait until January 1 or even later. If you go at midnight, it’s more crowded, but the atmosphere is amazing.
行く人もいるけど、1月1日やもっと後に行く人もいるよ。真夜中に行くと混むけど、雰囲気はすごくいいよ。
I’ll try to experience it. Is there anything special I need to prepare for Hatsumōde?
体験してみるよ。初詣に向けて何か特別に準備するものはある？
Bring some small coins for osaisen (offering), and if you have old charms from last year, you can return them to the shrine. It’s also good to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes since you might wait in line.
お賽銭用に小銭を持って行ってね。それと、去年のお守りがあるなら神社に返せるよ。寒いから暖かい服と歩きやすい靴もおすすめだよ。
That’s great advice. Thanks, Key! I feel like I’m ready to experience my first proper Ōmisoka.
いいアドバイスだね。ありがとう、キー！初めての本格的な大晦日を体験する準備ができた気がするよ。
No problem, Mack. It’s a beautiful way to end the year and start fresh. Enjoy it!
どういたしまして、マック。一年を締めくくって新しいスタートを切る素敵な方法だから、楽しんでね！
概要 / Overview
大晦日
What is Ōmisoka?
Ōmisoka is the Japanese word for New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31. It is a very important day in Japan because it marks the end of the year and the preparation for the new one. On this day, people reflect on the past year and get ready for a fresh start. Many traditional customs and activities are connected to Ōmisoka, making it a meaningful event for families and individuals.
大晦日とは？
大晦日は、毎年12月31日に祝われる日本語で「ニューイヤーズイブ」を意味します。これは1年の終わりと新年への準備を意味する、日本で非常に重要な日です。この日、人々は過ぎた1年を振り返り、新しいスタートの準備をします。大晦日には多くの伝統的な習慣や活動があり、家族や個人にとって特別なイベントとなっています。
Eating Toshikoshi Soba
One popular tradition on Ōmisoka is eating Toshikoshi Soba, or “year-crossing noodles.” These buckwheat noodles are eaten in the evening and have a special meaning. The long shape of the noodles represents long life, and their easy-to-cut texture symbolizes cutting off bad luck and hardships from the past year. It’s a simple but meaningful meal to wish for a good start to the new year.
年越しそばを食べる
大晦日に人気のある伝統のひとつは、年越しそばを食べることです。これは「年を越えるそば」と呼ばれるもので、夕方に食べられます。このそばには特別な意味があります。細長い形は長寿を象徴し、切れやすい性質は過去の厄災や困難を断ち切ることを意味しています。新しい年の良いスタートを願う、シンプルで意味のある食事です。
Listening to Joya no Kane
Another important activity on New Year’s Eve is listening to the Joya no Kane, or temple bells. Many Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times. This number represents the 108 human desires or worries, called “bonnō” in Japanese. Each ring is meant to cleanse one desire, purifying the mind and spirit for the new year. Some temples allow visitors to ring the bells, making it a special experience.
除夜の鐘を聞く
大晦日のもうひとつの重要な活動は、除夜の鐘を聞くことです。多くの仏教寺院では鐘を108回鳴らします。この数字は、日本語で「煩悩」と呼ばれる、人間の108の欲望や悩みを表しています。鐘の音ひとつひとつが1つの煩悩を清め、新しい年に向けて心と魂を浄化するものとされています。一部のお寺では参拝者が鐘をつくことができるため、特別な体験となります。
Watching Kōhaku Uta Gassen
Ōmisoka is also a time for entertainment, and many families watch Kōhaku Uta Gassen on NHK. This is a famous music show where male (White Team) and female (Red Team) singers compete. It features Japan’s most popular artists and creative performances, making it a fun way to relax and spend time with family before the year ends.
紅白歌合戦を見る
大晦日は娯楽の時間でもあり、多くの家族がNHKで放送される紅白歌合戦を見ます。この番組は、男性（白組）と女性（紅組）の歌手が競う有名な音楽ショーです。日本の人気アーティストや創造的なパフォーマンスが登場し、家族と一緒にリラックスしながら年末を過ごす楽しい方法となっています。
Preparing for the New Year
Before Ōmisoka, many families complete a tradition called Ōsōji, or big cleaning. This is done in late December to clean the house and prepare for the new year in a fresh, tidy environment. People also get ready for Hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the year. They may prepare small coins for offerings, return old charms, and plan their visit to pray for health, luck, and happiness.
新年の準備をする
大晦日の前に、多くの家族は大掃除と呼ばれる伝統を行います。これは12月下旬に家をきれいに掃除し、新しい年を清潔で整った環境で迎えるためのものです。また、初詣と呼ばれる新年最初の神社参拝の準備も行います。小銭をお賽銭として用意したり、古いお守りを返したり、健康や幸運、幸福を祈るための計画を立てたりします。
A Meaningful Celebration
Ōmisoka is more than just the end of the year. It’s a time to reflect, let go of bad memories, and prepare for a fresh start. With meaningful traditions like eating soba, listening to temple bells, and cleaning the house, Ōmisoka helps people welcome the new year with a clear mind and a hopeful heart.
意義深いお祝い
大晦日は、単なる一年の終わりではありません。過去を振り返り、悪い思い出を手放し、新たなスタートを迎える時間です。そばを食べる、鐘を聞く、家を掃除するといった意義深い伝統を通じて、大晦日は心を清らかにし、希望に満ちた心で新年を迎える助けとなります。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is Ōmisoka?
大晦日とは何ですか？
Ōmisoka is the Japanese word for New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31. It marks the end of the year and is a time for reflection and preparation for the new year.
大晦日は12月31日に祝われる日本語で「ニューイヤーズイブ（New Year’s Eve）」を意味します。一年の終わりを迎える日であり、新年の準備や振り返りをする時間です。
2: What do people eat on Ōmisoka?
大晦日には何を食べますか？
People eat Toshikoshi Soba, or “year-crossing noodles,” on Ōmisoka. These long noodles symbolize long life and cutting off bad luck from the past year.
大晦日には年越しそばを食べます。長いそばは長寿を象徴し、過去の厄を断ち切るという意味もあります。
3: Why do temples ring bells 108 times on Ōmisoka?
大晦日にお寺はなぜ108回鐘を鳴らすのですか？
Temples ring bells 108 times as part of the Joya no Kane tradition. The 108 rings represent human desires or worries, which are cleared away to purify the mind for the new year.
108回の鐘は、除夜の鐘という伝統の一環です。この108回は人間の欲望や悩みを表し、それを清めて新しい年を迎えるために鳴らされます。
4: What is Kōhaku Uta Gassen?
紅白歌合戦とは何ですか？
Kōhaku Uta Gassen is a famous music show broadcast on NHK on New Year’s Eve. It features male and female singers competing in teams and is a popular tradition for families.
紅白歌合戦は大晦日にNHKで放送される有名な音楽番組です。男性（白組）と女性（紅組）の歌手がチームで競い合い、家族に人気の伝統です。
5: What is Ōsōji?
大掃除とは何ですか？
Ōsōji is the “big cleaning” done at the end of the year. Families clean their homes to remove dust and clutter, preparing a fresh start for the new year.
大掃除は年末に行う「大きな掃除」のことです。家族は家をきれいにしてほこりや不用品を取り除き、新年の新たなスタートを準備します。
6: When do people usually visit temples or shrines for Hatsumōde?
初詣は通常いつ行われますか？
People visit temples or shrines for Hatsumōde, the first prayer of the new year, at midnight on New Year’s Eve or on January 1.
初詣は、新年最初の祈りとして、大晦日の真夜中や1月1日に神社やお寺に参拝します。
7: What do people prepare for Hatsumōde?
初詣に向けて人々は何を準備しますか？
People prepare coins for offerings, return old charms, and dress warmly to visit temples or shrines for Hatsumōde.
お賽銭用の小銭を用意したり、古いお守りを返したり、暖かい服装で初詣に行く準備をします。
8: Why is Ōmisoka important in Japanese culture?
大晦日はなぜ日本文化において重要ですか？
Ōmisoka is important because it is a time to reflect on the past year, clear away negativity, and prepare for a fresh start in the new year.
大晦日は、過去の一年を振り返り、否定的なものを清め、新年の新たなスタートを準備する時間として重要です。
9: What does Toshikoshi Soba symbolize?
年越しそばは何を象徴していますか？
Toshikoshi Soba symbolizes long life due to its long shape and cutting off bad luck because it is easy to cut.
年越しそばは、その長い形から長寿を象徴し、切れやすいため厄を断ち切る意味も持っています。
10: How do families usually spend Ōmisoka evening?
家族は大晦日の夜をどのように過ごしますか？
Families often eat Toshikoshi Soba, watch Kōhaku Uta Gassen on TV, and reflect on the year together in a relaxed atmosphere.
家族は年越しそばを食べたり、テレビで紅白歌合戦を見たり、リラックスした雰囲気の中で一年を振り返りながら過ごします。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
purify : 動詞
意味: 汚れを取り除き、清らかにする。To remove impurities or make something clean and pure.
（除夜の鐘を通じて煩悩を取り除き、心を清める行為を指す）
例文:
- The temple bells are rung to purify the mind for the new year.
「お寺の鐘は新年に向けて心を清めるために鳴らされます。」 - Drinking water was boiled to purify it.
「飲み水は清めるために沸騰させられました。」 - She meditates daily to purify her thoughts.
「彼女は思考を清めるために毎日瞑想します。」
peaceful : 形容詞
意味: 穏やかで平和な。Calm, quiet, and free from disturbance or conflict.
（除夜の鐘を聞くことで心が落ち着き、平和な気持ちになることを表現）
例文:
- The sound of the bells was very peaceful.
「鐘の音はとても穏やかでした。」 - We had a peaceful evening by the lake.
「私たちは湖のそばで平和な夕べを過ごしました。」 - The garden is a peaceful place to relax.
「その庭はリラックスするのに穏やかな場所です。」
take a turn : フレーズ
意味: 順番に何かをする。To do something in turns, one after another.
（除夜の鐘で参拝者が順番に鐘をつくことを指す）
例文:
- Visitors can take a turn ringing the temple bell.
「参拝者は順番にお寺の鐘をつくことができます。」 - Let’s take turns driving on this long trip.
「この長旅では運転を交代しましょう。」 - The children took turns playing on the swing.
「子どもたちはブランコで順番に遊びました。」
clutter : 名詞
意味: 散らかったもの、混乱。A collection of things in a disorganized or messy state.
（大掃除で片付ける対象として、家の中の不要な物や乱雑さを指す）
例文:
- Ōsōji is the time to remove dust and clutter from the house.
「大掃除は家のほこりや散らかった物を取り除く時期です。」 - Her desk is always free of clutter.
「彼女の机はいつも散らかりがありません。」 - Too much clutter makes it hard to concentrate.
「物が多すぎると集中するのが難しくなります。」
symbolism : 名詞
意味: 象徴性、象徴的意味。The use of symbols to represent ideas or meanings.
（年越しそばの長寿や厄を断ち切る意味を象徴）
例文:
- Toshikoshi Soba has deep symbolism, representing long life and cutting off bad luck.
「年越しそばには、長寿と厄を断ち切るという深い象徴性があります。」 - The dove is a common symbolism for peace.
「ハトは平和の象徴として一般的です。」 - The play uses colors as symbolism for emotions.
「その劇は感情を象徴するために色を使っています。」
詳細情報 / Further Info
年末の大掃除
What is Ōsōji?
Ōsōji is a Japanese tradition of big cleaning done at the end of the year. Families clean their homes to prepare for the new year. This custom is not just about physical cleaning; it also has symbolic meaning. By removing dust and clutter, people believe they are clearing away bad luck and negativity from the past year. Ōsōji is usually completed before New Year’s Eve.
大掃除とは？
大掃除は、年末に行われる日本の伝統的な大掃除です。家族で家を掃除し、新年を迎える準備をします。この習慣は単なる物理的な掃除だけでなく、象徴的な意味もあります。ほこりや不要な物を取り除くことで、過去の厄やネガティブなエネルギーを払うと考えられています。大掃除は通常、大晦日より前に終わらせます。
How is Ōsōji Done?
Ōsōji involves deep cleaning areas that are often neglected, such as windows, air vents, and storage spaces. Families work together, dividing tasks to make the process easier. Many people also use this time to declutter, donating or recycling old items. Completing Ōsōji makes the home fresh and ready to welcome good fortune in the new year.
大掃除の方法
大掃除では、普段あまり掃除しない場所を徹底的にきれいにします。例えば、窓や換気口、収納スペースなどです。家族で協力し、タスクを分担して進めることが一般的です。また、この機会に不要な物を整理し、寄付やリサイクルをする人も多いです。大掃除を終えることで、家は清潔になり、新年の幸運を迎える準備が整います。
正月飾り
What Are Japanese New Year Decorations?
Japanese New Year decorations, or shōgatsu kazari, are special ornaments used to celebrate the new year. These decorations have deep cultural and symbolic meanings. They are believed to bring good fortune and protect homes from evil spirits. Common decorations include kadomatsu (pine arrangements), shimenawa (straw ropes), and kagami mochi (stacked rice cakes). These items are placed at entrances or key areas of homes and businesses.
正月飾りとは？
日本の正月飾り（shōgatsu kazari）は、新年を祝うために使われる特別な装飾品です。これらの飾りには深い文化的、象徴的な意味があり、幸運をもたらし、家を悪霊から守ると信じられています。一般的な正月飾りには、門松、しめ縄、鏡餅などがあります。これらは家や店舗の玄関や重要な場所に飾られます。
Kadomatsu: A Symbol of Longevity
Kadomatsu is a decoration made from pine branches, bamboo, and plum branches. It is placed at the entrance of homes and businesses to welcome the gods of the new year. Pine represents longevity, bamboo symbolizes strength and flexibility, and plum blossoms signify renewal. Kadomatsu is usually displayed from December 26 to January 7.
門松：長寿の象徴
門松は、松、竹、梅の枝で作られる装飾品で、家や店舗の入口に置かれます。これは新年の神々を迎えるための飾りです。松は長寿、竹は強さと柔軟性、梅は再生を象徴しています。門松は通常、12月26日から1月7日まで飾られます。
Shimenawa: Protecting Against Evil Spirits
Shimenawa is a rope made from straw, often decorated with white paper strips. It is hung above doorways or in sacred spaces to keep away evil spirits and purify the area. This tradition originates from Shinto beliefs, which emphasize cleanliness and purity. Shimenawa is a common sight at shrines and homes during the New Year.
しめ縄：悪霊を防ぐ
しめ縄は、藁で作られた縄で、白い紙垂（しで）を飾ることが多いです。これは、玄関や神聖な場所に吊るされ、悪霊を防ぎ、場所を浄化するために使われます。この伝統は、清潔さと純粋さを重視する神道の信仰に由来しています。しめ縄は、新年の神社や家庭でよく見られる飾りです。
Kagami Mochi: Offering to the Gods
Kagami mochi is a decoration made of two stacked rice cakes with a small orange (daidai) on top. It is placed in the home as an offering to the gods. The larger rice cake represents the past year, while the smaller one symbolizes the new year. The orange signifies continuity and prosperity. Kagami mochi is typically displayed until January 11, when it is eaten in a ceremony called kagami biraki.
鏡餅：神々への供え物
鏡餅は、二つの重ねられた餅とその上に乗った小さな橙（だいだい）で作られる飾りです。これは神々への供え物として家に置かれます。大きい餅は過去の一年を、小さい餅は新年を象徴しています。橙は継続性と繁栄を意味します。鏡餅は通常1月11日まで飾られ、その後「鏡開き」と呼ばれる儀式で食べられます。
The Meaning of Shōgatsu Kazari
Shōgatsu kazari reflects Japan’s values of respect for tradition, nature, and the gods. These decorations not only bring beauty to homes but also connect people to their cultural heritage. Preparing and displaying them is a meaningful way to welcome the new year with hope and gratitude.
正月飾りの意味
正月飾りは、伝統や自然、神々への敬意を表しています。これらの飾りは家を美しくするだけでなく、人々を文化的な遺産と結びつけます。正月飾りを準備し飾ることは、希望と感謝を込めて新年を迎える意義深い方法です。
年越しそば
What is Toshikoshi Soba?
Toshikoshi Soba is a Japanese tradition of eating buckwheat noodles on New Year’s Eve. The name means “year-crossing noodles,” and it symbolizes moving from one year to the next. This custom has been practiced in Japan since the Edo period (1603–1868). Toshikoshi Soba is enjoyed by families as they reflect on the past year and prepare for a fresh start.
年越しそばとは？
年越しそばは、大晦日に食べる日本の伝統的なそば料理です。名前は「年を越すそば」を意味し、一年から次の年への移り変わりを象徴しています。この習慣は江戸時代（1603〜1868年）から続いています。家族で食べながら一年を振り返り、新たなスタートに備えるのが一般的です。
The Symbolism of Toshikoshi Soba
The long, thin noodles represent long life and good health. Additionally, because soba noodles are easy to cut, they symbolize letting go of hardships and bad luck from the past year. By eating Toshikoshi Soba, people hope to bring good fortune and happiness into the new year.
年越しそばの象徴
細長いそばは、長寿と健康を象徴しています。また、そばが切れやすいことから、過去の苦難や悪運を断ち切る意味も込められています。年越しそばを食べることで、幸運と幸福を新年に呼び込むことを願っています。
How is Toshikoshi Soba Served?
Toshikoshi Soba can be served hot in a soup or cold with a dipping sauce. Popular toppings include tempura, green onions, and seaweed. Some families have their own traditions for how they prepare and enjoy the dish, making it a personal and meaningful experience.
年越しそばの食べ方
年越しそばは、温かい汁に入れて食べたり、冷たいつけ汁で食べたりします。人気のトッピングには、天ぷらやネギ、海苔などがあります。家族ごとに独自の作り方や楽しみ方があり、個人的で意義深い体験となっています。
紅白歌合戦
What is Kōhaku Uta Gassen?
Kōhaku Uta Gassen is a famous music competition broadcast on NHK every year on New Year’s Eve. The name means “Red and White Song Battle.” It features two teams: the Red Team (female singers) and the White Team (male singers). Popular artists from different genres perform songs, and at the end, the audience and judges vote for the winning team. This show has been a tradition in Japan since 1951.
紅白歌合戦とは？
紅白歌合戦は、毎年大晦日にNHKで放送される有名な音楽番組です。名前は「紅白歌合戦」を意味し、紅組（女性歌手）と白組（男性歌手）の2チームで構成されています。さまざまなジャンルの人気アーティストが歌を披露し、最後に観客と審査員が勝者を決定します。この番組は1951年から日本の伝統となっています。
Why is Kōhaku Uta Gassen Popular?
Kōhaku Uta Gassen is more than just a music show; it reflects the year’s music trends and culture. Families often gather to watch it together while relaxing at home. The performances include creative stage designs, colorful costumes, and nostalgic songs. It appeals to all generations, making it a special way to end the year.
紅白歌合戦が人気の理由
紅白歌合戦は単なる音楽番組ではなく、その年の音楽のトレンドや文化を反映しています。家族が集まり、自宅でリラックスしながら一緒に見ることが多いです。パフォーマンスには創造的なステージデザインやカラフルな衣装、懐かしい歌が含まれており、すべての世代にアピールします。これにより、一年を締めくくる特別な方法となっています。
Kōhaku’s Impact
Kōhaku Uta Gassen has a strong influence on Japan’s music industry. Being invited to perform on the show is considered a great honor for artists. It also brings families and friends together, creating shared memories and celebrating the end of the year in a joyful way.
紅白歌合戦の影響
紅白歌合戦は、日本の音楽業界に大きな影響を与えています。この番組に出演することはアーティストにとって大きな名誉とされています。また、家族や友人が集まり、一緒に楽しい時間を過ごすことで、一年の終わりを祝う特別な思い出が生まれます。
除夜の鐘
What is Joya no Kane?
Joya no Kane is a Japanese Buddhist tradition where temples ring their bells 108 times on New Year’s Eve. The name means “Bells on the Night of Removal.” This practice symbolizes removing human desires or worries, known as “bonnō.” It is believed that by hearing the 108 rings, people can start the new year with a pure and clear mind.
除夜の鐘とは？
除夜の鐘は、日本の仏教の伝統で、大晦日にお寺で鐘を108回鳴らす行事です。名前は「煩悩を取り除く夜の鐘」を意味します。この習慣は、「煩悩」と呼ばれる人間の欲望や悩みを取り除くことを象徴しています。108回の鐘の音を聞くことで、新年を清らかな心で迎えられると考えられています。
Why 108 Rings?
The number 108 has a special meaning in Buddhism. It represents the 108 human desires or negative emotions that disturb inner peace. By ringing the bell 108 times, each strike is said to cleanse one of these desires. This allows people to reflect on their past year and prepare their hearts for the new one.
なぜ108回鳴らすのか？
108という数字には仏教で特別な意味があります。それは、内面の平和を乱す108の欲望やネガティブな感情を表しています。鐘を108回鳴らすことで、その一つ一つが浄化されると言われています。これにより、過ぎた1年を振り返り、新しい年に向けて心を整えることができます。
Experiencing Joya no Kane
Many temples across Japan perform Joya no Kane, and some even allow visitors to take part in ringing the bell. The ceremony usually starts late at night and ends just before midnight. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, with people gathering to reflect and pray. For both locals and tourists, it is a meaningful and calming way to welcome the new year.
除夜の鐘を体験する
日本全国の多くのお寺で除夜の鐘が行われ、場所によっては参拝者が鐘をつくこともできます。この儀式は通常、夜遅くに始まり、深夜直前に終わります。雰囲気は静かで穏やかで、人々は集まり、振り返りながら祈ります。地元の人々だけでなく観光客にとっても、新年を迎える意義深く落ち着いた方法です。
音声解説 / In-depth Audio Discussion
ここからは、今回の記事内容をさらに深く掘り下げる英語音声対談です。
理解を深めたい方やリスニング力を伸ばしたい方におすすめです。
音声を聞きながら、英語と日本語の両方の表現も一緒に学べます。
※ダイアローグのテキストと和訳も以下に掲載していますので、音声と合わせてご利用ください。
英語音声対談
再生時間 09:29 （※イヤホン推奨、再生速度も変更できます）
テキスト（英語）
A: Welcome to the deep dive. So, you’ve asked us to get into Ōmisoka, Japan’s New Year’s Eve, and it really is fascinating.
B: It is.
A: It’s much more than just, you know, a date on the calendar. It’s this really profound cultural event packed with preparation, reflection,
B: and setting intentions. Definitely.
A: Exactly. So, our goal today is to really unpack the core ideas from the material you sent us, and hopefully give you a clear, engaging feel for these traditions.
B: That’s a great way to put it. Ōmisoka is very much a time when people in Japan actively, you know, cleanse their minds, their homes. It symbolizes a fresh start, a clean slate.
A: Precisely. So, in this deep dive, we’ll look at not just what people do, but the why behind it, how these traditions are well woven into Japanese society.
B: Okay, let’s unpack that. So, Ōmisoka, at its heart, it’s December 31st. Simple enough, right?
A: But in Japan, it’s pivotal. The end of the year, the doorway to the new one. It’s a day for reflection, really looking back, acknowledging the year that’s passed.
B: Yeah. And getting ready, like meticulously, for a fresh start.
A: It’s definitely more than just another date. It’s seen as a very significant day across the country. Think of it like a national collective effort. Everyone is sort of transitioning together from old to new.
B: That shared feeling must be quite something.
A: It is. It’s key to understanding Ōmisoka. That collective aspect.
B: So, as the day goes on, evening arrives and some really specific customs kick in. We hear about Toshikoshi Soba, the year-crossing noodles.
A: Oh, yes.
B: I’m really interested in this. What makes this dish so, well, essential? Is there a special story?
A: There absolutely is. The symbolism is quite beautiful, actually. Toshikoshi soba. First, the long noodles themselves.
B: Long life.
A: Exactly. They represent long life, but there’s more. Soba noodles—they’re relatively easy to bite through.
B: So, that quality symbolizes cutting off the bad luck, the hardships from the past year.
A: Uh, like making a clean break.
B: Precisely. Obviously, it’s a sort of culinary fresh start, leaving the negative behind. And it’s usually eaten earlier in the evening, not right at midnight.
A: Interesting. So, it’s part of the preparation phase.
B: You could say that. It allows for that symbolic break before the new year actually hits. You’ll see it served hot in soup or sometimes cold with a dipping sauce and toppings.
A: Oh, yeah. Popular toppings are tempura, maybe some green onions, seaweed. It’s delicious. And this isn’t new. This custom goes way back.
B: Wow. 1600s. That’s a long tradition.
A: It really is.
B: That’s such a practical yet meaningful way to sort of shed the old year.
A: Okay. So, after the noodles, as midnight gets closer,
B: right?
A: The whole soundscape changes, you mentioned.
B: Right.
A: Joya no Kane, the temple bells. Tell us about those 108 rings. That number feels very specific.
B: It is very specific. Joya no Kane, it’s a profound Buddhist tradition. Temples ring their main bells 108 times right on New Year’s Eve.
A: Why 108?
B: So, in Buddhism, 108 represents the number of earthly temptations or human desires and worries. They’re called bonnō.
A: Okay.
B: And each ring of the bell—it’s not just counting. It’s meant to cleanse one of those desires, purifying the mind, the spirit, getting ready for the new year.
A: That’s powerful.
B: It is. And what’s fascinating is many temples actually let visitors take a turn ringing the bell.
A: Really? So, you can participate directly.
B: Yeah. Imagine being part of that. The atmosphere it creates is, well, it’s incredibly quiet, peaceful—a really calming way to welcome the year.
A: Quite different from, say, big fireworks displays.
B: Very different. It’s more internal, a different kind of emotional preparation, you could say.
A: Absolutely. An internal reset. Okay. So, after that, um, quiet, reflective moment with the bells, the mood might shift in homes
B: often. Yes.
A: Families might gather for something else. Maybe blending entertainment with that reflective mood,
B: like Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
A: Ah, Kōhaku. Yes. That’s a huge part of Ōmisoka for millions. It’s a massive music competition show on TV.
B: Yep. Broadcast live on NHK, the national broadcaster, every single New Year’s Eve. It features two teams: the red team (female singers) and the white team (male singers).
A: A battle of the sexes, musically.
B: Sort of. They perform popular songs, different genres. It’s been running since 1951.
A: Wow. That’s ingrained then.
B: Deeply. It’s incredibly popular. Why? Well, it reflects the year’s music trends, the culture, the stage designs are often amazing. Costumes, too. And crucially, it mixes nostalgic songs with the year’s biggest hits.
A: So, it appeals across generations.
B: Exactly. Grandparents, parents, kids—they can all watch it together, relaxing at home as the year winds down. People often debate who will win, red or white.
A: Sounds like a perfect way for families to connect, bridging those generations. Now, thinking about before Ōmisoka evening, there’s a lot of prep work, isn’t there?
B: Oh, yes, a lot.
A: Starting with Ōsōji, the big cleaning. When does that happen? And what’s the deeper meaning? It feels like more than just tidying up.
B: You’re absolutely right. It’s much more than tidying. Ōsōji is this major Japanese tradition—the big cleaning done right at the end of the year, usually completed before Ōmisoka itself,
A: like by the 30th
B: typically. Yes. And it’s not just physical cleaning, though that’s part of it. It has this really profound symbolic meaning. The idea is that removing all the dust, the clutter, it’s believed to clear away bad luck, negativity from the past year. You’re literally sweeping out the old to make space for the new, for good fortune.
A: So, it’s a spiritual clean, too.
B: Definitely. It involves deep cleaning, you know, places you might normally skip: windows, vents, storage spaces. Families often tackle it together, decluttering, donating old stuff, creating a fresh, tidy space. It really embodies that cultural value on cleanliness and new beginnings,
A: right? So, everything’s sparkling clean—physically, symbolically. Then people turn their attention to the very first moments of the new year.
B: Hatsumōde.
A: Yes. Hatsumōde. That’s the first shrine or temple visit of the brand new year.
B: What’s the purpose?
A: People go to pray for good health, for luck in the coming year, general well-being. It can happen right at midnight as soon as the year turns
B: or later
A: or on January 1st itself or even in the first few days of January. There’s some flexibility.
B: Any tips if someone wanted to experience that?
A: Good question. Uh, definitely bring small coins for the offering (o-saisen). If you have old good luck charms from the previous year, you bring them back to the shrine for proper disposal. And practically, dress warmly—it’s cold—and wear comfy shoes, especially if you go to a popular place like Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. The lines can be really long. Thousands and thousands of people.
B: Wow. A shared hope for the new year.
A: Yeah.
B: Okay. And alongside the cleaning and the shrine visits, homes get decorated too, right? These specific New Year decorations. Shōgatsu Kazari.
A: Yes. They’re beautiful and full of meaning. These shōgatsu kazari, they’re special ornaments, believed to bring good fortune and also protect the home from evil spirits.
B: What are some common ones?
A: Right. Three main ones you’ll definitely see. First, kadomatsu. These are placed at entrances usually from around December 26th up to January 7th. Made of pine, bamboo, and maybe plum branches.
B: Symbolism.
A: Pine is for longevity. Bamboo represents strength, flexibility. Plum blossoms signal renewal.
B: Okay. What else?
A: Then there’s shimenawa. These are ropes made from rice straw, often decorated with these zigzag white paper strips called shide.
B: Where do they go?
A: Hung above doorways or sometimes in sacred household spots. They’re meant to ward off evil spirits, purify the space. It comes from Shinto beliefs, that emphasis on purity and cleanliness.
B: Got it. And the third one,
A: Kagami mochi. This one’s quite unique. It’s an offering. Two round rice cakes—mochi—stacked up. The larger one on the bottom, smaller one on top.
B: Stacked rice cakes.
A: And on the very top, a small orange, usually a daidai orange. It’s placed as an offering to the Shinto gods, the toshigami.
B: What do the parts represent?
A: Well, the two cakes can symbolize the past year and the new year, or the sun and moon. The orange, the daidai, its name sounds like the word for generations. So, it represents continuity, family prosperity,
B: and you just leave it there.
A: You display it usually until around January 11th. Then there’s a ceremony called Kagami Biraki (mirror-opening ceremony) where it’s broken up, not cut. That’s bad luck. And eaten, often in a soup.
B: So, nothing is wasted.
A: Exactly. These decorations—Kadomatsu, Shimenawa, Kagami Mochi—they’re more than just festive things. They really reflect deep Japanese values: respect for tradition, for nature, for the gods. They connect people to their cultural roots.
B: It’s so clear listening to all this that Ōmisoka is just so much more than a countdown. It’s not just New Year’s Eve. It’s this whole holistic experience.
A: It really is multi-sensory.
B: Yeah. Bridging the past and the future, preparing your home, preparing your mind.
A: It’s quite profound actually.
B: It truly is. All these traditions, they really circle back to reflection, intentionally letting go of what doesn’t serve you anymore and embracing a hopeful, purified start to the new year.
A: It’s a powerful combination of actions and symbolism.
B: It makes you think, doesn’t it? Which maybe raises an interesting question for you listening right now. How could you perhaps incorporate similar moments, moments of intentional reflection, preparation into your own life transitions? You know, letting go of the old to really, truly welcome the new.
テキスト（和訳付）
A: Welcome to the deep dive. So, you’ve asked us to get into Ōmisoka, Japan’s New Year’s Eve, and it really is fascinating.
A: ディープダイブへようこそ。君が大晦日、日本の新年の前夜について詳しく知りたいって言ったけど、本当に興味深いんだよね。
B: It is.
B: そうだね。
A: It’s much more than just, you know, a date on the calendar. It’s this really profound cultural event packed with preparation, reflection,
A: ただのカレンダー上の日付以上のものなんだ。準備や振り返りが詰まった、本当に深い文化的行事なんだよ。
B: and setting intentions. Definitely.
B: そして意図を定めることもね。間違いなく。
A: Exactly. So, our goal today is to really unpack the core ideas from the material you sent us, and hopefully give you a clear, engaging feel for these traditions.
A: その通り。今日の目標は、君が送ってくれた資料の核心的なアイデアを本当に紐解いて、これらの伝統について分かりやすく魅力的に感じてもらうことなんだ。
B: That’s a great way to put it. Ōmisoka is very much a time when people in Japan actively, you know, cleanse their minds, their homes. It symbolizes a fresh start, a clean slate.
B: いい表現だね。大晦日は日本の人々が積極的に心や家を清める時期なんだ。新しい始まり、まっさらな状態を象徴しているよ。
A: Precisely. So, in this deep dive, we’ll look at not just what people do, but the why behind it, how these traditions are well woven into Japanese society.
A: まさに。このディープダイブでは、人々が何をするかだけでなく、その背景にある理由、これらの伝統が日本社会にどう織り込まれているかを見ていこう。
B: Okay, let’s unpack that. So, Ōmisoka, at its heart, it’s December 31st. Simple enough, right?
B: よし、それを紐解いてみよう。大晦日は本質的には12月31日だ。シンプルだよね？
A: But in Japan, it’s pivotal. The end of the year, the doorway to the new one. It’s a day for reflection, really looking back, acknowledging the year that’s passed.
A: でも日本では極めて重要なんだ。年の終わり、新年への入り口。振り返りの日で、本当に過去を見つめ、過ぎ去った年を認識する日なんだ。
B: Yeah. And getting ready, like meticulously, for a fresh start.
B: そう。そして新しいスタートのために、綿密に準備をするんだ。
A: It’s definitely more than just another date. It’s seen as a very significant day across the country. Think of it like a national collective effort. Everyone is sort of transitioning together from old to new.
A: 間違いなくただの日付以上のものだよ。全国的にとても重要な日と見なされている。国民的な集団的努力のようなものだと考えてみて。みんなが一緒に古いものから新しいものへと移行しているんだ。
B: That shared feeling must be quite something.
B: その共有された感覚はかなりのものに違いない。
A: It is. It’s key to understanding Ōmisoka. That collective aspect.
A: そうなんだ。大晦日を理解する鍵なんだよ。その集団的な側面が。
B: So, as the day goes on, evening arrives and some really specific customs kick in. We hear about Toshikoshi Soba, the year-crossing noodles.
B: それで、日が進んで夕方になると、本当に特別な習慣が始まるんだ。年越しそば、年を越すうどんについて聞いたことがあるよね。
A: Oh, yes.
A: ああ、そうだね。
B: I’m really interested in this. What makes this dish so, well, essential? Is there a special story?
B: これには本当に興味があるんだ。この料理を、まあ、そんなに重要にしているのは何？特別な話があるの？
A: There absolutely is. The symbolism is quite beautiful, actually. Toshikoshi soba. First, the long noodles themselves.
A: 絶対にあるよ。象徴性が実にきれいなんだ。年越しそば。まず、長い麺そのもの。
B: Long life.
B: 長寿だね。
A: Exactly. They represent long life, but there’s more. Soba noodles—they’re relatively easy to bite through.
A: その通り。長寿を表すけど、それだけじゃない。そば麺は比較的簡単に噛み切れるんだ。
B: So, that quality symbolizes cutting off the bad luck, the hardships from the past year.
B: だから、その性質が悪運や過去一年の困難を断ち切ることを象徴しているんだね。
A: Uh, like making a clean break.
A: ええ、きれいに断ち切るみたいな感じで。
B: Precisely. Obviously, it’s a sort of culinary fresh start, leaving the negative behind. And it’s usually eaten earlier in the evening, not right at midnight.
B: まさに。明らかに料理的な新しいスタートで、ネガティブなものを後に残すんだ。そして通常は夕方の早い時間に食べるもので、真夜中ではないんだ。
A: Interesting. So, it’s part of the preparation phase.
A: 面白いね。だから準備段階の一部なんだ。
B: You could say that. It allows for that symbolic break before the new year actually hits. You’ll see it served hot in soup or sometimes cold with a dipping sauce and toppings.
B: そう言えるだろうね。新年が実際に来る前に象徴的な断ち切りができるんだ。温かいスープで出されたり、時には冷たくつけ汁と薬味で出されたりするよ。
A: Oh, yeah. Popular toppings are tempura, maybe some green onions, seaweed. It’s delicious. And this isn’t new. This custom goes way back.
A: ああ、そう。人気の薬味は天ぷら、ネギ、海苔なんかだね。おいしいよ。そしてこれは新しいものじゃない。この習慣はずっと昔に遡るんだ。
B: Wow. 1600s. That’s a long tradition.
B: わあ。1600年代。長い伝統だね。
A: It really is.
A: 本当にそうなんだ。
B: That’s such a practical yet meaningful way to sort of shed the old year.
B: 古い年を脱ぎ捨てる実用的でありながら意味のある方法だね。
A: Okay. So, after the noodles, as midnight gets closer,
A: よし。それで、麺の後、真夜中が近づくと、
B: right?
B: だよね？
A: The whole soundscape changes, you mentioned.
A: 音の風景全体が変わるって君が言ったよね。
B: Right.
B: そう。
A: Joya no Kane, the temple bells. Tell us about those 108 rings. That number feels very specific.
A: 除夜の鐘、お寺の鐘だ。あの108回について教えて。その数字がとても特別な感じがする。
B: It is very specific. Joya no Kane, it’s a profound Buddhist tradition. Temples ring their main bells 108 times right on New Year’s Eve.
B: とても特別なんだ。除夜の鐘は深い仏教の伝統なんだ。お寺が大晦日に梵鐘を108回鳴らすんだよ。
A: Why 108?
A: なぜ108？
B: So, in Buddhism, 108 represents the number of earthly temptations or human desires and worries. They’re called bonnō.
B: 仏教では、108は世俗的な誘惑や人間の欲望と悩みの数を表しているんだ。煩悩と呼ばれるものだよ。
A: Okay.
A: なるほど。
B: And each ring of the bell—it’s not just counting. It’s meant to cleanse one of those desires, purifying the mind, the spirit, getting ready for the new year.
B: そして鐘の一打一打は、ただ数えているだけじゃない。それらの欲望の一つを清め、心と精神を浄化し、新年に備えるためのものなんだ。
A: That’s powerful.
A: それは力強いね。
B: It is. And what’s fascinating is many temples actually let visitors take a turn ringing the bell.
B: そうなんだ。そして興味深いのは、多くのお寺が実際に参拝者に鐘を撞かせてくれることなんだ。
A: Really? So, you can participate directly.
A: 本当に？直接参加できるんだね。
B: Yeah. Imagine being part of that. The atmosphere it creates is, well, it’s incredibly quiet, peaceful—a really calming way to welcome the year.
B: そう。それに参加することを想像してみて。作り出される雰囲気は、まあ、信じられないほど静かで平和で、本当に穏やかに年を迎える方法なんだ。
A: Quite different from, say, big fireworks displays.
A: 大きな花火大会とはかなり違うね。
B: Very different. It’s more internal, a different kind of emotional preparation, you could say.
B: とても違う。もっと内面的で、違う種類の感情的な準備と言えるだろうね。
A: Absolutely. An internal reset. Okay. So, after that, um, quiet, reflective moment with the bells, the mood might shift in homes
A: 絶対に。内面的なリセットだ。よし。それで、その静かで内省的な鐘の瞬間の後、家庭では雰囲気が変わるかもしれない
B: often. Yes.
B: よくね。そう。
A: Families might gather for something else. Maybe blending entertainment with that reflective mood,
A: 家族が他のことのために集まるかもしれない。エンターテイメントとその内省的な雰囲気を融合させるような、
B: like Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
B: 紅白歌合戦みたいな。
A: Ah, Kōhaku. Yes. That’s a huge part of Ōmisoka for millions. It’s a massive music competition show on TV.
A: ああ、紅白。そう。それは何百万人にとって大晦日の大きな部分なんだ。テレビの大規模な音楽競技番組だよ。
B: Yep. Broadcast live on NHK, the national broadcaster, every single New Year’s Eve. It features two teams: the red team (female singers) and the white team (male singers).
B: そう。国営放送のNHKで毎年大晦日に生放送されるんだ。二つのチームが出場する：赤組（女性歌手）と白組（男性歌手）だ。
A: A battle of the sexes, musically.
A: 音楽的な男女の戦いだね。
B: Sort of. They perform popular songs, different genres. It’s been running since 1951.
B: そんな感じかな。人気の歌、いろんなジャンルを演奏するんだ。1951年から続いているよ。
A: Wow. That’s ingrained then.
A: わあ。それなら根付いているんだね。
B: Deeply. It’s incredibly popular. Why? Well, it reflects the year’s music trends, the culture, the stage designs are often amazing. Costumes, too. And crucially, it mixes nostalgic songs with the year’s biggest hits.
B: 深く。信じられないほど人気なんだ。なぜって？まあ、その年の音楽トレンドや文化を反映していて、舞台デザインも素晴らしいことが多いんだ。衣装もね。そして重要なのは、懐かしい歌とその年の大ヒット曲を混ぜているんだ。
A: So, it appeals across generations.
A: だから世代を超えて魅力的なんだね。
B: Exactly. Grandparents, parents, kids—they can all watch it together, relaxing at home as the year winds down. People often debate who will win, red or white.
B: その通り。祖父母、両親、子供たち、みんなが一緒に見られるんだ。年が終わっていく中、家でリラックスしながらね。人々はよく赤組と白組のどちらが勝つか議論するよ。
A: Sounds like a perfect way for families to connect, bridging those generations. Now, thinking about before Ōmisoka evening, there’s a lot of prep work, isn’t there?
A: 家族がつながり、世代の橋渡しをする完璧な方法のようだね。さて、大晦日の夕方より前のことを考えると、たくさんの準備があるよね？
B: Oh, yes, a lot.
B: ああ、そう、たくさんね。
A: Starting with Ōsōji, the big cleaning. When does that happen? And what’s the deeper meaning? It feels like more than just tidying up.
A: 大掃除から始まるね。それはいつ行われるの？そしてより深い意味は何？ただの片付け以上のもののように感じるよ。
B: You’re absolutely right. It’s much more than tidying. Ōsōji is this major Japanese tradition—the big cleaning done right at the end of the year, usually completed before Ōmisoka itself,
B: 君は完全に正しいよ。ただの片付け以上のものなんだ。大掃除は重要な日本の伝統で、年末に行われる大掃除で、通常は大晦日そのものより前に完了させるんだ、
A: like by the 30th
A: 30日までにみたいな
B: typically. Yes. And it’s not just physical cleaning, though that’s part of it. It has this really profound symbolic meaning. The idea is that removing all the dust, the clutter, it’s believed to clear away bad luck, negativity from the past year. You’re literally sweeping out the old to make space for the new, for good fortune.
B: 一般的にはね。そう。そしてそれは物理的な掃除だけじゃないんだ、もちろんそれも一部だけど。本当に深い象徴的な意味があるんだ。すべてのほこりや散らかったものを取り除くことで、過去一年の悪運やネガティブなものを取り払うと信じられているんだ。文字通り古いものを掃き出して、新しいもの、幸運のためのスペースを作るんだよ。
A: So, it’s a spiritual clean, too.
A: だから精神的な清めでもあるんだね。
B: Definitely. It involves deep cleaning, you know, places you might normally skip: windows, vents, storage spaces. Families often tackle it together, decluttering, donating old stuff, creating a fresh, tidy space. It really embodies that cultural value on cleanliness and new beginnings,
B: 間違いなく。深い掃除を含むんだ、普段なら飛ばすような場所もね：窓、換気口、収納スペース。家族がしばしば一緒に取り組んで、整理整頓して、古いものを寄付して、新鮮できちんとしたスペースを作るんだ。清潔さと新しい始まりに対する文化的価値を本当に体現しているよ。
A: right? So, everything’s sparkling clean—physically, symbolically. Then people turn their attention to the very first moments of the new year.
A: だろ？だからすべてがぴかぴかに清潔になる—物理的にも象徴的にも。それから人々は新年の最初の瞬間に注意を向けるんだ。
B: Hatsumōde.
B: 初詣だね。
A: Yes. Hatsumōde. That’s the first shrine or temple visit of the brand new year.
A: そう。初詣。それは新しい年の最初の神社やお寺への参拝なんだ。
B: What’s the purpose?
B: 目的は何？
A: People go to pray for good health, for luck in the coming year, general well-being. It can happen right at midnight as soon as the year turns
A: 人々は健康や来年の幸運、全般的な幸福を祈りに行くんだ。年が変わった瞬間の真夜中に行くこともできるし
B: or later
B: または後でも
A: or on January 1st itself or even in the first few days of January. There’s some flexibility.
A: 1月1日自体や1月の最初の数日でも。いくらか柔軟性があるんだ。
B: Any tips if someone wanted to experience that?
B: もし誰かがそれを体験したいなら、何かコツはある？
A: Good question. Uh, definitely bring small coins for the offering (o-saisen). If you have old good luck charms from the previous year, you bring them back to the shrine for proper disposal. And practically, dress warmly—it’s cold—and wear comfy shoes, especially if you go to a popular place like Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. The lines can be really long. Thousands and thousands of people.
A: いい質問だね。ええ、確実にお賽銭用の小銭を持参すること。前年の古いお守りがあるなら、適切な処分のために神社に持参するんだ。そして実用的には、暖かく着ること—寒いからね—そして楽な靴を履くこと、特に東京の明治神宮のような人気の場所に行くなら。列が本当に長くなることがある。何千何万人もの人だよ。
B: Wow. A shared hope for the new year.
B: わあ。新年への共有された希望だね。
A: Yeah.
A: そうだね。
B: Okay. And alongside the cleaning and the shrine visits, homes get decorated too, right? These specific New Year decorations. Shōgatsu Kazari.
B: よし。そして掃除や神社参拝と並んで、家も装飾されるよね？特別な正月の装飾。正月飾りだ。
A: Yes. They’re beautiful and full of meaning. These shōgatsu kazari, they’re special ornaments, believed to bring good fortune and also protect the home from evil spirits.
A: そう。美しくて意味に満ちているんだ。この正月飾りは特別な装飾品で、幸運をもたらし、家を悪霊から守ると信じられているんだ。
B: What are some common ones?
B: 一般的なものは何？
A: Right. Three main ones you’ll definitely see. First, kadomatsu. These are placed at entrances usually from around December 26th up to January 7th. Made of pine, bamboo, and maybe plum branches.
A: そうだね。確実に見る主要なものが三つある。まず門松。これらは通常12月26日頃から1月7日まで入り口に置かれる。松、竹、それから梅の枝で作られているんだ。
B: Symbolism.
B: 象徴性だね。
A: Pine is for longevity. Bamboo represents strength, flexibility. Plum blossoms signal renewal.
A: 松は長寿を表す。竹は強さと柔軟性を表している。梅の花は再生を表すんだ。
B: Okay. What else?
B: なるほど。他には？
A: Then there’s shimenawa. These are ropes made from rice straw, often decorated with these zigzag white paper strips called shide.
A: それからしめ縄がある。これは稲わらで作られた縄で、しばしば紙垂（しで）と呼ばれるジグザグの白い紙片で飾られているんだ。
B: Where do they go?
B: どこに設置するの？
A: Hung above doorways or sometimes in sacred household spots. They’re meant to ward off evil spirits, purify the space. It comes from Shinto beliefs, that emphasis on purity and cleanliness.
A: 戸口の上や時には家庭の神聖な場所に吊るされる。悪霊を追い払い、空間を浄化するためのものなんだ。神道の信念から来ていて、純粋さと清潔さを重視するんだ。
B: Got it. And the third one,
B: わかった。そして三つ目は、
A: Kagami mochi. This one’s quite unique. It’s an offering. Two round rice cakes—mochi—stacked up. The larger one on the bottom, smaller one on top.
A: 鏡餅だ。これはかなりユニークなんだ。お供え物なんだよ。二つの丸い餅を重ねたもの。大きいのが下で、小さいのが上だ。
B: Stacked rice cakes.
B: 重ねた餅だね。
A: And on the very top, a small orange, usually a daidai orange. It’s placed as an offering to the Shinto gods, the toshigami.
A: そして一番上に小さなオレンジ、通常はだいだいを置く。神道の神々、歳神へのお供え物として置かれるんだ。
B: What do the parts represent?
B: それぞれの部分は何を表しているの？
A: Well, the two cakes can symbolize the past year and the new year, or the sun and moon. The orange, the daidai, its name sounds like the word for generations. So, it represents continuity, family prosperity,
A: まあ、二つの餅は過去の年と新しい年、または太陽と月を象徴することができる。オレンジ、だいだいは、その名前が「代々」という言葉に似ているんだ。だから継続性、家族の繁栄を表している、
B: and you just leave it there.
B: そしてそこに置いておくだけなの。
A: You display it usually until around January 11th. Then there’s a ceremony called Kagami Biraki (mirror-opening ceremony) where it’s broken up, not cut. That’s bad luck. And eaten, often in a soup.
A: 通常は1月11日頃まで飾っておくんだ。それから鏡開きという儀式があって、そこで切るのではなく割るんだ。切るのは縁起が悪いからね。そして食べる、よくお汁にして。
B: So, nothing is wasted.
B: だから何も無駄にしないんだね。
A: Exactly. These decorations—Kadomatsu, Shimenawa, Kagami Mochi—they’re more than just festive things. They really reflect deep Japanese values: respect for tradition, for nature, for the gods. They connect people to their cultural roots.
A: その通り。これらの装飾—門松、しめ縄、鏡餅—これらはただのお祭りのものではないんだ。深い日本の価値観を本当に反映している：伝統への敬意、自然への敬意、神々への敬意。人々を文化的なルーツにつなげているんだ。
B: It’s so clear listening to all this that Ōmisoka is just so much more than a countdown. It’s not just New Year’s Eve. It’s this whole holistic experience.
B: これら全てを聞いていると、大晦日がただのカウントダウン以上のものだということがとても明確だね。ただの新年の前夜ではない。全体的な体験なんだ。
A: It really is multi-sensory.
A: 本当に多感覚的だよね。
B: Yeah. Bridging the past and the future, preparing your home, preparing your mind.
B: そう。過去と未来を橋渡しして、家を準備し、心を準備するんだ。
A: It’s quite profound actually.
A: 実際にかなり深いものだよ。
B: It truly is. All these traditions, they really circle back to reflection, intentionally letting go of what doesn’t serve you anymore and embracing a hopeful, purified start to the new year.
B: 本当にそうだ。これらの伝統すべてが、振り返りに戻ってくるんだ。もう役に立たないものを意図的に手放し、希望に満ちた、浄化された新年のスタートを受け入れることに。
A: It’s a powerful combination of actions and symbolism.
A: 行動と象徴性の力強い組み合わせだね。
B: It makes you think, doesn’t it? Which maybe raises an interesting question for you listening right now. How could you perhaps incorporate similar moments, moments of intentional reflection, preparation into your own life transitions? You know, letting go of the old to really, truly welcome the new.
B: 考えさせられるよね？これは今聞いている君にとって興味深い質問を提起するかもしれない。どうやって似たような瞬間、意図的な振り返りや準備の瞬間を自分の人生の転換期に取り入れることができるだろうか？古いものを手放して、本当に、真に新しいものを迎え入れるためにね。