Lifted Vision Ministry

Hatsumode is, “a Japanese New Year’s tradition of visiting a Shinto or Buddhist shrine for the first time in the year and the word literally translates to “first prayer”. 

I was graciously invited by a Japanese family to participate in the traditional New Year’s festivities of how non-Christian Japanese celebrate the new year. I’ve gotten quite close to a non-Christian Japanese family here and I was honored to be invited to their New Year’s family outing! I was elated and took the chance to spend more time with them and learn even more about how the standard Japanese person celebrates New Year’s in Japan. Additionally, I was able to learn more about where their belief systems stem from regarding Shintoism and our day was nothing like anything I have never experienced before!

We departed around 8pm at night to go to the Shinto shrine, called Ise, which was a 2.5 hour drive high up in the mountains. During the “ceremony” there were many older folks, adults and even children at the temple until 4am in the morning! We also stayed that long and walking around we observed the festivities.

What I learned is that the Japanese are very superstitious and follow the ceremonial practices religiously! When they walk over a certain bridge they use their “left foot only” for good luck. On a different bridge, I was instructed to use my “right foot only” in order to avoid bad luck. We went to different temples within the shrine grounds and I witnessed monks praying, sitting, and chanting. Furthermore, there were bonfires, alcohol shops where they served free ceremonial “sake” and also shops that would write a “New Year’s blessing” or “fortune” for temple-goers for a price. Additionally, there were many places where you could buy amulets that were supposed to, “bring good luck for the new year” and also places to get your fortune told to you. Although most of it was quite shocking for me, it was an enlightening experience into the Japanese mindset and tradition. What also stood out to me was the fact that people would touch trees and rocks in an attempt to obtain, “power” from them. People often put their stone bracelets into the “zone” of the rocks where it was told to me, “that’s where the blessing would be” called “power spots.” (please see the photos below for reference)

We stayed at the temple from 8pm and returned home at 8am the next morning. Due to this we got to witness the first sunrise of the year, which is extremely important to the Japanese, as they have a long history of worshipping the sun as well. This is called Hatsuhinode, or the, “first sunrise of the new year” which originates from Shintoism as well. “In the Shinto religion, it is believed that a “Toshigami” (God of the Year) appears at the first sunrise and blesses people with health, good fortune and prosperity.”

Shintoism is the oldest religion in Japan and also the most widely practiced religion here as well. These roots run deep and influence the culture, the societal structure as well as the mindset of the Japanese people.

I wrote this article to share my experience and provide insight into exactly what Shintoism is and how it is ritually practiced. I was grateful to have this experience with this family and am praying to continue to spend time with them, love them and eventually, introduce them to Jesus. During the long car ride I was able to share my faith and the power of prayer to Jesus Christ alone. If you would continue to pray with me, I believe that the truth of Jesus Christ is more powerful than any false religion of Japan! Thank you for praying with me and for standing with me in faith for Japan to turn their hearts to Christ alone!

-Luke 1:37 KJV –
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

Thank you for reading and stay blessed!