As a child, did you ever find yourself thinking you wanted to buy a lot of toys and sweets, but you didn’t have the money? Did you ever find yourself wishing someone would give you money to buy as much as you’d like?
In Japan, once a year, this wish of children comes true, almost like a dream.
There is a custom called “Otoshidama”, or New Year’s Money, in which adults give money to children. Many countries throughout Asia have customs similar to Otoshidama, but it is not customary for many places such as America or the United Kingdom, and it is very interesting to people who have never heard of it before.
Some people may be surprised at the idea of giving children money, but there is a reason behind it.
It is believed the origin of this practice was in the offering of “Kagamimochi”, mirror-shaped rice cakes symbolic of good health throughout the new year, cut into pieces and divided amongst the family. Similarly, today “Otoshidama” is handed to children from adults with the wish that they get through the new year in good health.
How each child chooses to use the money they receive on New Year’s varies from child to child, and it can be very interesting to observe. Some children immediately spend it all, while others save it. “Otoshidama” gives children an opportunity to develop a sense of managing money.
Even if you don’t have a custom of giving New Year’s money in your home country, if you find yourself travelling in Japan during the New Year Period, why not try giving New Year’s money to your child? For children, using their own money to make their own choices about what sorts of Japanese snacks, toys, or games they’d like could end up being a meaningful experience.