While browsing for details on Tokyo's Yanaka neighborhood and Yanaka Cemetery which unusual by western standards has a children play area, I stumbled upon Japan TWO, offering daily takes.
Japan TWO mostly consists of photos from various places with a short commentary. They even give you the average reading time for each piece, usually 1 minute.
With Osechi (February 2, 2011) we get an education on Japanese New Year food offerings and their meaning (reading time = 5 minutes).
They highlight 3 Celebrating small dishes that you cannot do without:
"Kazunoko (herring roe), kuro-mame (black soybeans), and tazukuri (dried sardines cooked in soysauce) are called the three small dishes and is a must for osechi."
The meaning of each offering is also spelled in Osechi piece:
"Kazunoko (herring roe): Symbolizes a wish to be gifted with many children. Since herring is called “nishin” which can be written as “two parents”, the saying comes from having many children from the “two parents”.
Kuro-mame (black soybeans)：Symbolizes a wish to work “mameni” (diligently) and live “mameni” (in good health”.
Tazukuri (dried sardines cooked in soy sauce)：Since small fish was used as fertilizer for rice fields, this dish symbolizes a wish for abundant harvest. Usually small Japanese anchovy are used."
It reveals how Oseshi is as much about culture and tradition as it is about food and taste.
New Year in February for Tokyo Thursdays # 177
Previously: Fever Tree Ginger Beer and Sake, What's the Right Mix
(* Photo of Osechi box by Japan TWO)