Cute Kawaii Year: 2025 Edition!

The new year is approaching, so you must buy lucky charms and cute things for a cute kawaii New Year! Japan has different good luck charms and various activities to start the year with a bang. Many inspiring anime characters were also born in January. So, let’s check out everything you need to know about how to have the cutest New Year possible!

How can I improve my luck for the New Year?

One of the most common things to do during the New Year in Japan is to buy unique good luck charms at shrines or temples. These charms, called omamori, come in different colors and sizes. Sometimes, they can feature cute anime characters or animals. This coming year will be the year of the snake, so you can expect to find some featuring unique snake designs.

Another good luck charm you can easily find in Japan is the senbazuru, an arrangement of paper cranes on a string. Usually, these paper cranes are made from bright-colored paper with different shades and tones, making it a great way to add color to any room! Many stores will sell senbazuru and other lucky charms like hina dolls and maneki neko figures.

In addition to lucky charms, Japan has particular superstitions and traditions, such as wishing on a shooting star and dreaming of Mt. Fuji. There are even superstitions surrounding tea and spiders. You might think spiders are scary, but seeing one in the morning in Japan means you will have good luck!

What are some fun things to do during the New Year?

If you’re visiting Japan during New Year’s, there are many traditional activities you can participate in! First is hatsumode, which refers to the first visit to a shrine of the year. During the first three days of the year, many Japanese families will visit their local shrine and pray for luck and good health.

You can also get omikuji, a written fortune at the shrine. It is common now for more prominent shrines to provide English versions of omikuji, so you can have fun participating, too!

If you love stationery, you’ll love the various types of nengajo, unique New Year postcards, to choose from! These postcards feature characters like Hello Kitty and Mickey Mouse or nature themes like Mt. Fuji. If you’re looking for a lightweight souvenir, this is perfect! Sweets or snacks can also be great as souvenirs or onenga gifts!

Kids would also love to receive otoshidama, which are envelopes containing money! Like nengajo, these gifts come in envelopes but are usually only given to people under 20. The envelopes can easily be found in stationery stores or post offices.  

If you love kawaii fashion or Japanese fashion culture, visiting Harajuku is a must! Harajuku is home to all the unique fashion styles you can find in Japan, such as lolita, yami-kawaii, and more! Some must-visit stores are Milk, which features Lolita and girly fashion, and AMORE Vintage Omotesando, which has vintage designer pieces. If you are more into cute, colorful clothes, then we recommend 6%DOKIDOKI. If you prefer darker clothing, then check out Listen Flavor! 

Are you looking for cute items for the New Year? Check out

Which anime characters were born in January?

If you’re a big anime fan, you’ll be aware that many characters have birthdays in January. While Japanese culture traditionally follows the Chinese zodiac, anime often incorporates personality traits inspired by the Western zodiac system when portraying its characters. With January being the month of Capricorn and Aquarius, many characters represent traits such as strong personalities and resilience.

Some of the best examples are Yoruichi Shihōin from Bleach,  Sailor Saturn from Sailor Moon, and Kyo Sohma from Fruits Basket. At first, they all seem to be ordinary characters, but the more we learn about them, the more we see their leadership and thinking skills. They can understand their environment and find a way to reach their goal best. At the same time, they care deeply about their friends and will not tolerate anyone hurting them!

Other characters born in January include Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia and Historia Reiss from Attack on Titan. At first, these characters are pretty reserved and serious, but with the support of their friends, they gain confidence and have iconic moments! All these characters can be very relatable and help remind you of the unique power and potential of this particular time of year!

How can I enjoy a cute kawaii New Year?

To enjoy a cute kawaii New Year, embrace the charm of Japanese traditions while incorporating adorable elements into your celebrations. Start by purchasing a few lucky charms like omamori or a senbazuru to bring good fortune for the year ahead. You can also join the tradition of sending Nengajo postcards featuring your favorite anime characters or cute animals to friends and family. 

For fun, try making your own festive decorations or crafting kawaii-inspired New Year’s crafts featuring lucky symbols like maneki neko or Mt Fuji. If you’re into fashion, deck yourself in cute outfits from Harajuku or try some kawaii makeup to ring in the year with style.

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy tasty treats like mochi or dango to keep the cheerful vibe going. With these cute touches, your New Year will be filled with joy, luck, and kawaii! What are your plans for New Year’s? Let us know in the comments below!