Japan is getting ready to usher in the Year of the Snake for 2025 with vibrant and creative celebrations across the country. From student art projects to specialized exhibitions, the preparations highlight the unique ways communities come together to mark the New Year.
At Takamatsu Hachiman Shrine, located in Tabuse Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture, art students from Tabuse Junior High School have completed their annual giant ema, which showcases the upcoming zodiac animal. This year’s ema, depicting the Snake, measures approximately 2.5 meters wide and 1.2 meters tall. The students dedicated around one month to its creation, combining their artistic ideas to craft the vibrant design. During the ceremonial unwrapping of the emblematic artwork on December 25, the student, Ruka Nishimura, shared her thoughts on the project: “We used white as the base to express beauty, enhancing it with pink and light blue colors. We painted this hoping everyone who visits will have a happy year.” The artwork is set to be displayed at the shrine for the entirety of the upcoming year.
Meanwhile, the traditional craft of Kinosaki straw weaving is at its peak as artisans prepare decorations inspired by the Snake zodiac at Kaniya Folk Craft Store. This local craft showcases the region's rich history and connection to traditional Japanese artforms.
Not far away, Kamogawa Sea World, located in Chiba, is hosting a special exhibit titled “2025 Zodiac Creatures – The Sea Snakes.” This exhibit allows guests to observe marine life associated with the snake sign, featuring creatures such as the Triplefin Blenny, Worm Shells, and the Harlequin Snake Eel. The aquarium has created interactive experiences for families, enabling visitors to understand the inspiration behind the naming of these creatures and their connection to the zodiac signs.
Another initiative to celebrate the New Year involves hands-on workshops at the Izumo Science Museum. On December 24, families with young children participated in crafting their own wooden snake figurines. The activities served as both educational and creative fun, fostering familial bonds during the holiday season.
Famed potter Kenji Tsukura is diligently crafting snake figurines at Kenchogama pottery workshop located in Noboribetsu City. Every year at this time, artisans like Tsukura shape figures representing the forthcoming zodiac sign, showcasing their skills by putting attention to detail, right down to using toothpicks to create small facial features like eyes and mouths. His unique designs include two white snakes forming a heart to symbolize love and harmony, as well as whimsical characters like snakes painting on palettes. Tsukura mentions: “Every order reflects the customer's heartfelt wishes, and I strive to imbue each piece with my desire for peace and tranquility for the coming year.” He aims to create around 100 decorative pieces before the mid-January deadline.”
To add a culinary flair to the celebrations, Tokachi from Tokyo has teamed up with the famous Swedish ceramist Lisa Larson to launch exquisite baked goods celebrating the Year of the Snake. The limited-edition collection features delightful sweets crafted with local ingredients from Tottori Prefecture, incorporating elements like the farm-fresh Tami eggs. The collaboration has produced charming cookie assortments adorned with the snake motif, perfect for holiday gifting.
With all these varied preparations kicking off, Japan is not just decorating their homes but also celebrating cultural heritage and community spirit connected to the New Year festivities. The emphasis on art, crafts, and shared experiences emphasizes the beauty of tradition and the excitement surrounding the upcoming Year of the Snake.
From large-scale school art projects to the detailed craftsmanship of local artisans, every preparation reflects hopes for good fortune and happiness. These celebratory acts contribute to the cultural richness and vibrant community atmosphere as the New Year approaches, reiteratively reminding us of the collective joy and anticipation as people come together to make meaningful memories.
