This New Year, Japanese cities are abuzz with events and exhibitions celebrating the upcoming zodiac sign, the Snake, which will reign for 2025. From limited-edition collectibles to themed delicacies, there’s no shortage of festivities honoring this significant time of year, each showcasing the cultural vibrancy synonymous with New Year celebrations.
At the Asa Zoological Park located in Hiroshima, excitement filled the air as the park hosted special activities from January 2 to 4, including the distribution of unique snake-themed badges. With original designs unveiled daily, the badges featured images of the Japanese rat snake and the Japanese giant salamander. "We prepared 200 of these badges, and they disappeared within about 15 minutes," said one of the park staff, highlighting the overwhelming enthusiasm from visitors. Attendees expressed their delight, with comments such as, "The snakes are so cute!" and enthusiasts seeking to start the year positively.
Nearby, Chateraise, known for its delightful pastries, temporarily featured adorable snake-themed treats. Their limited-edition 'Cute Zodiac Pudding à la Mode' was particularly popular. This dessert, priced at 561 yen, delighted customers with layers of cocoa sponge, custard cream, and fresh fruits, adorned with green melon cream representing the Snake—a playful nod to the new year. Other offerings included the New Year's Assortment Cake and the Good Fortune Daruma Cake, combining traditional imagery with contemporary flavors, emphasizing the joyful spirit of the season.
Moving north to Shizuoka City, the Matsuzakaya Aquarium embraced the ambiance of the New Year's celebration with its 'Zodiac Exhibition 2025 - Snake' featuring live sea snakes, providing visitors a chance to see these creatures up close. Running concurrent with the New Year festivities, this exhibition aims to educate the public about the significance of the Snake within Japanese culture. Such events not only entertain but also promote awareness of marine life.
At the Okhotsk Museum Esashi, situated in Hokkaido, another initiative ran from January 5 to 31, with unique snake-themed badges available for purchase. Each badge is delicately crafted, aiming to draw visitors’ interest and keep the spirit of the zodiac alive during this period. With such ventures, museums and educational institutions play key roles during the festive season, fostering community engagement.
On the first day of the year, Thrill-seekers flocked to Takasaki City for their annual Daruma Market, echoing the reverence for the New Year. With approximately fifty stalls showcasing Daruma dolls styled after the snake, the atmosphere was both festive and reflective. Many patrons were eager to participate by writing their wishes and aspirations for the upcoming year on these symbolic items. Nine-year-old Sakura Ibi, visiting with family, shared her aspirations, stating, "I hope to win the Governor's Award for calligraphy this year!"
Another prominent event was the display of the rare white snake, designated as a national natural monument, at the Yagiyama Zoological Park in Sendai. The park not only highlighted this species but also explained the cultural significance of snakes throughout Japanese history. "The white snake is particularly beautiful, and it is fascinating to see such unique creatures up close," said one local schoolgirl, captivated by the rarity of the display.
Closing the seasonal festivities, luxury brand Givenchy unveiled its 'Lunar New Year Capsule Collection', inspired by the upcoming Year of the Snake. This collection features exclusive pieces such as white jackets adorned with snake motifs and violet snake-printed logo shirts, efficiently blending fashion with cultural celebration. Launching on January 3, these items appeal to both style and the traditions associated with the new year.
All these activities not only reflect Japan's rich tradition but also show how modern and creative interpretations can keep the spirit of cultural observances relevant and engaging for all generations.