I hope 2014 was a great year for you all. And we send our best wishes for a great 2015 as well.
I worked a bit early on NYE, then headed off to complete was has become a tradition for me. On every New Year's Eve since 2005, I go to the various Japanese markets to check out the Osechi offerings.
Things have changed over the years, it's more of a pre-order kind of thing nowadays and there aren't too many extravagant items for sale on NYE anymore.
In fact, Marukai had almost nothing.
Mitsuwa had some interesting items, but nothing too interesting.
What I really did enjoy about my visit to Mitsuwa was a young couple, the girl, Japanese, the young man, blue-eyed, blond haired. The young lady went down the shelves explaining the significance of each of the osechi ryori items....stuff that I didn't even know! I just stood there and watched, quite taken with the moment.... At the end, she turned to me and gave me a smile and a wave. Nice job!
As usual, Nijiya had the biggest and best selection.......
It has been quite a year for us; Belgium, the Czech Republic, Japan, Seattle....... I have a feeling the this year will be just as interesting.
We'd like to thank you for reading, commenting, and just being part of our little food blog!
Happy New Year!
nice! happy new year!
Posted by: kat | Thursday, 01 January 2015 at 03:13 PM
Happy New Year!
So interesting how almost every country has their own NYE traditions. In Brazil you eat lentil soup, eat pomegranates (then save 7 seeds in your wallet), hop seven waves on one foot, throw flowers into the sea for the goddess of the sea Iemanja, wear white and the color of the underwear you are wearing at midnight determines what you want out of the new year (yellow = money, pink = love, etc.)
The osechi look quite tasty though, must make it to Nijiya soon!
Posted by: J.S. @ Sun Diego Eats | Thursday, 01 January 2015 at 08:57 PM
What a sweet story :) happy new year!!
Posted by: Lynnea | Thursday, 01 January 2015 at 09:29 PM
Happy new year!
Posted by: Jason | Thursday, 01 January 2015 at 09:51 PM
Happy new year!
Posted by: nhbilly | Friday, 02 January 2015 at 06:08 AM
Happy New Year Kat!
You know JS, that sounds like a awesome post. Maybe next year? We once spent NYE with some Filipino friends....it was such fun; they opened all the doors and windows to let in good fortune...the kids all jumped a dozen times at mignight so they would grow taller the next year.
It was Lynnea....cute and charming.
Jason and Billy - I hope the both of you had a great New Year!
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 02 January 2015 at 06:46 AM
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Soo H. | Friday, 02 January 2015 at 08:41 AM
新年おめでとう! I got all the fixings for ozoni and didn't make it yet... You guys went to Japan? What month did you post? I must check out the posts, I have plans myself!
Posted by: foodhoe | Friday, 02 January 2015 at 11:25 AM
Happy New Year Soo!
Happy New Year to you too FH! We went during October. I'm slowly getting my posts done:
http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/japan/
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 02 January 2015 at 01:20 PM
Happy New Year, Kirk! I look forward to another year of posts.
Posted by: Sandy | Friday, 02 January 2015 at 02:16 PM
Hi Sandy - I hope you have great year! Thanks for always reading and commenting!
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 02 January 2015 at 07:11 PM