Back at my Japanese In-Laws House for New Year's

Quick Overview

The family celebrates the New Year (Oshougatsu) in Japan by visiting a local shrine for the first prayer of the year (Hatsumoude), enjoying traditional Osechi Ryori, grilling sweet potatoes (Yakiimo) and oysters outdoors, and experiencing other local traditions, despite the father having been sick recently.

Key Points: The family visited a local shrine for Hatsumoude (first shrine visit of the New Year) on January 1st, 2026, at 8:30 AM. The grandfather (Jiji) prepared several traditional New Year's foods, including Osechi Ryori served in tiered boxes and grilled sweet potatoes (Yakiimo) cooked over charcoal. The grandfather also prepared fresh oysters from Noto, which they ate raw with homemade hot sauce and cooked on the grill. The family enjoyed a large New Year's dinner featuring sashimi, grilled yellowtail, Osechi dishes, and the grilled Gyohei Mochi (a local specialty). The grandfather explained that he had to make the Gyohei Mochi by hand, which he was forced to do between ages 10-15 when he lived in the mountains. The son, Michael (referred to as 'Wolfy' and 'Junior'), received New Year's gift money (Otoshidama) from his grandparents. The video also featured sponsor content for Sakuraco, a subscription box delivering Japanese snacks and regional treats.

Context: This video documents a family's New Year's celebration in Japan, focusing on the traditions of visiting a shrine (Hatsumoude) and enjoying special New Year's food (Osechi Ryori). The family includes the parents (Paolo and his wife), their two sons (Michael/Wolfy/Junior and the baby, Eddy-chan), the paternal grandfather (Jiji), and the paternal grandmother (Baba). The video captures their activities from New Year's Eve through New Year's Day, including preparing food, visiting the shrine, and enjoying time together.

Detailed Analysis

The video chronicles the family's New Year's activities, beginning with traveling to visit the paternal grandparents on December 31st. Upon arrival, they settle in, and the grandfather (Jiji) prepares for the next morning's traditions. The grandfather mentions that he was sick recently but is dedicated to performing New Year's traditions, such as preparing the first sunrise prayer (Hatsuhinode) and making traditional foods. The family enjoys a large New Year's Eve dinner featuring elaborate Osechi Ryori boxes, sashimi, fried chicken (Karaage), grilled oysters, and the regional specialty Gyohei Mochi, which the grandfather prepared by pounding rice. The grandfather reveals the Gyohei Mochi preparation is a tradition he was forced to do as a child. The children receive Otoshidama (New Year's gift money) from their grandparents. The next morning, January 1st, the family visits the local shrine for Hatsumoude (first prayer of the year), where they are seen bowing. The grandfather also demonstrates his volunteer work with the local fire corps (Shoubou Dan) by setting up hoses and grilling yakiimo (sweet potatoes) and oysters outdoors. The video concludes with the father expressing gratitude for the family time and promoting a Japanese snack subscription box, Sakuraco.