On January 12, the traditional Japanese festival known as "Dondoyaki" will take place at the Fuji Children’s Country, located in Fujiyoshida City, Shizuoka Prefecture. This event, which has its roots deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, involves gathering items such as New Year’s decorations to be burned, symbolizing the start of the year with hopes for good health and bountiful harvests.
The day will feature the construction of a approximately three-meter tall structure made of wood and straw, where attendees can bring their own New Year decorations to be included. This year also marks the return of dango sales, which were paused during the pandemic, allowing participants to enjoy this traditional sweet after the ceremonial burning.
According to Horino Aya from the Fuji Children’s Country planning department, "Dondoyaki is a traditional Japanese event held during the little New Year, where participants burn New Year's decorations and pray for health and happiness." The event is free to attend and will commence at 1 PM, inviting visitors to reflect on the past year and embrace the hopes for the future as they watch the decorations go up in flames.
Simultaneously, from January 8 to 21, the Matsuzakaya Department Store in Nagoya will feature the debut of the "Namatorori Cheesecake Numa Fuji", sourced from locally produced Aomori milk renowned for its rich flavor. This delightful treat, which combines the airy texture of cheesecake with rich milk sauce, emphasizes ethical sourcing with its 'ethical sweets' tag, acknowledging environmental and social concerns.
A supermarket representative shared, "We’re excited to introduce our fresh cheese cake made from Aomori-produced milk, which is known for its rich flavor and creamy texture." This marks Matsuzakaya's first endeavor to offer this delightful dessert, which features fresh fruit and creates visual appeal reminiscent of Mount Fuji.
The combination of these two events during January fosters community spirit, highlighting both the longevity of local traditions and innovative culinary treats inspired by the iconic Mount Fuji. While participants engage with rich cultural practices at the Dondoyaki, the introduction of unique products like the Namatorori Cheesecake invites both locals and visitors to enjoy flavors embodying the very essence of Mount Fuji.
The Dondoyaki event stands as more than just a celebratory fire; it symbolizes camaraderie among attendees, forging connections as they look to the future with shared aspirations for health and happiness. This annual festivity nurtures cultural identity, stimulating local engagement and reflecting the unique beauty and traditions surrounding Mount Fuji.
By embracing both history and innovation, the events of January serve to affirm local commitment to cultural heritage, wellness of the community, and the iconic beauty symbolized by Japan’s most famous mountain.