Japanese have a tradition of eating “Osechi” on New Year’s Day. Osechi are packed in large boxes called Oju. Eating Osechi with family is meant to wish for happiness and prosperity in the New Year. Each Osechi dish carries positive meaning. “Kuromame” are sweet black soybeans, and eating them means that you can stay healthy and strong. “Kazunoko” is herring roe and means “descendants’ prosperity”. ”Datemaki” is a sweet rolled Omelette, which means knowledge and is associated with the wish for academic success. The Shrimp evokes the image of a long beard and a bent back, carrying the meaning of a wish for longevity. The Japanese welcome the New Year with abundant wishes and aspiration.