niponica NO.39

2026 NO.39

contents

Contents
Seasonal Calendar of Food and Celebration
The Joy of Sharing Delicious Dishes for Celebrating the Life's Special Moments

Preparing Spaces for Seasonal Celebrations
How Rice Brings Color to Japanese Celebrations
A Virtual Journey through JapanJapan’s Regional Specialty Foods for Celebrations
Strolling JapanKaratsu
Souvenirs of JapanHigashi Sweets

Celebrating with Food in Japan

Seasonal Calendar of Food and Celebration

Tsukimi

The arrival of autumn is celebrated between mid-September and early October with decorations of pampas grass and full-moon viewing events. Tsukimi dango, dumplings shaped to resemble the moon, are offered to the gods before being shared between family and friends.

Shichi Go San

Shichi Go San on November 15 is an event to celebrate the milestone of children turning three (san), five (go), and seven (shichi) years old, and to pray for their continued healthy growth. After a visit to a shrine, children are given chitose-ame, literally “thousand-year candy,” a traditional sweet representing wishes for good health and longevity.