Drawings Featuring Hatsumode Visits - Here’s to a Fantastic New Year!

Are you familiar with the Japanese concept of hatsumode? Even if you’re not, you’ve probably seen scenes of it in anime or manga at some point. During this time of the year, many people visit shrines and temples to offer prayers for the New Year, seek out their fortunes for the year with omikuji, and write their wishes on ema (votive picture tablets). You’ll often see people dressed in traditional Japanese attire too, such as furisode kimono, making things seem all the more festive!

Do you celebrate any special traditions during the New Year? Hopefully, these illustrations will help you get your year off to a good start!