Japanese New Year, or Oshogatsu, is a festive and meaningful time to celebrate the start of a new year with family and friends. It’s a tradition filled with hope, gratitude, and fresh beginnings. During this special time, people visit shrines, enjoy delicious foods like mochi, display kadomatsu decorations, and participate in cultural c
ustoms that bring good luck for the year ahead. It’s a perfect mix of joy and reflection.
To make learning about Japanese New Year exciting and educational for kids, we’ve created a fun and interactive Japanese New Year Activity Mat! This printable is a wonderful way for children to explore this beautiful holiday while engaging in creative activities.
What’s Included in the Japanese New Year Activity Mat?
Our Japanese New Year Activity Mat is bursting with festive fun! Kids can trace and complete a picture of Mount Fuji, a beloved symbol of Japan, or color in the quirky Tengu mask, representing traditional folklore and culture.
There’s also a themed word search filled with fun words like ‘mochi,’ ‘shrine,’ and ‘zodiac’ to introduce key elements of Japanese New Year in an engaging way.
A thoughtful section invites kids to write about their family’s New Year traditions or activities they hope to enjoy in the coming year. This mat is designed to inspire creativity, encourage reflection, and teach cultural appreciation.
One of the standout elements of the Japanese New Year Activity Mat is the depiction of a long-nosed man, a representation of the Tengu, a legendary creature in Japanese folklore.
The Tengu is often seen as a protective spirit and a symbol of strength and wisdom, making it a fascinating way to introduce children to traditional Japanese stories and cultural symbols.
Alongside the Tengu, the mat includes a special writing prompt that encourages kids to reflect on their favorite parts of celebrating the New Year. They can write about enjoying mochi desserts, visiting shrines, watching the first sunrise of the year (hatsuhinode), or even their excitement about sending or receiving Nengajo cards.
This feature sparks creativity and helps kids connect personally with the traditions while practicing their writing skills.
Japanese New Year Worksheet Answer Key Available
Don’t worry if some of the puzzles get tricky – we’ve got an answer key ready to help you out. It’s perfect for ensuring a stress-free activity time with your kids.
Download the Japanese New Year Worksheet Activity Mat PDF
Click below to download your free Japanese New Year Activity Mat. It’s perfect for classroom use, family celebrations, or just a quiet afternoon of cultural exploration at home.
Terms of use: This Japanese New Year Worksheet is free for personal use and free for classroom use. Not for commercial use.
Note: This Japanese new year printable is part of a set, so the pdf file includes other holidays too. If you want just the Japanese New Year pages then be careful to select the appropriate page numbers when printing
This activity mat brings the traditions and excitement of Japanese New Year to life. It’s a fantastic way to combine cultural education with fun activities that kids of all ages will enjoy. Watch as your little ones color, trace, and puzzle their way into a greater appreciation of this beautiful celebration.
More Fun Printable Activities for Kids
Looking for more engaging activities for your little ones? Check out our collection of free printable activity mats for all seasons and holidays. From word games to creative crafts, there’s something for every occasion.
- Free printable Easter activity placemat for kids
- New Years Eve Activity Mat Printable
- Free Printable Kwanzaa Worksheet Activity Page
- Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Our Chinese New Year Activity Mat Printable
- Diwali Activity Mats For Kids
If you loved this activity mat, please share this blog post with friends and family. Let’s spread the joy of Japanese New Year and inspire creativity everywhere!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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