Oshogatsu 2023

Another Osechi Ryori has come and gone, but this year is also a special one because Bachan will turn 100 on July 21, 2023, so this is her 100th Oshogatsu and I am so grateful that I was able to prepare and host this year’s party!

2022 was hard —lots of pain and lots of transition—but with the help of our family and friends and the deep trust and love we have for one another, we made it into the new year!

I have been making Osechi dishes and celebrating Japanese New Year most of my life. You can search other years on this blog and though many of the items we enjoy on New Year’s Day are Japanese American, they still have great significance to our family and our evolving traditions. 

This year we got to share the day with our nieces, Maleeya, Amaya, Adelyn, and Quinn, and our new nephew, Keston, born July 30, 2022! We also hosted my uncle and cousins to share this special day with Bachan. Even with challenges, there is always so much goodness and joy!

I had some really good lighting this year and I’m grateful to share this menu and these dishes with you all. Also, some very awesome kamaboko art that Brandon took time to do this year. We are always looking for new ways to elevate and share delicious food.

Menu

Osechi Ryori

Tazukuri (Candied Sardines)
Symbolizes a bountiful harvest

Kamaboko (Fish Cake)
Symbolizes celebratory colors

Gobo (Kinpira Gobo and Sesame Gobo)Symbolizes strength and stability

Ebi (Shrimp)
Symbolizes longevity

Konbu (Seaweed)
Symbolizes joy and good omens

Namasu (Pickled Daikon and Carrot)
Symbolizes peace and happiness

Renkon (Lotus Root)
Symbolizes luck in future prospects

Takenoko (Bamboo Shoots)
Symbolizes advancing in life

Satoimo (Japanese Taro)
Symbolizes lasting prosperity

Konnyaku (Yam cakes)
Symbolizes bonds and relationships
Five-Sided Carrot and Daikon
Shiitake Mushroom
Blistered Shisito Pepper
Umeboshi
Tsukemono

Sushi
Ahi Sashimi
Korokke (Potato & Meat Croquette) 
Chicken Katsu
Teriyaki Chicken
Spicy Chicken Skewer
Grilled Sake Trout
Rice
Grilled Shrimp
Fresh Fruit
Mochi
Spam Musubi
Wonton
Chashu

Ozoni
Japanese New Year Mochi Soup

Kagami mochi “mirror rice cake” represents harmony in the family and mochi’s stretchy texture symbolizes hopes for longevity

I hope you enjoyed this year’s dishes! 

Happy New Year Everyone. May 2023 bring you lots of love and peace!

-Kimberly

Unrivaledkitch