Shizuka kudo’s Exquisite Osechi Ryori: A Glimpse into a Japanese New Year’s Tradition
Japanese pop icon Shizuka kudo, 54, delighted fans with a recent Instagram post showcasing her family’s elaborate New year’s feast, known as osechi ryori. Teh stunning display of conventional dishes, including handmade temari sushi, offered a captivating look into a cherished Japanese custom.
Kudo’s Instagram caption simply read, ”Temari sushi, five-colored salad, five-colored jelly. My cooking partner is @koki,” highlighting the collaborative effort with her daughter, Koki. this isn’t the first time Kudo has shared her culinary creations online; she’s known for her annual tradition of posting photos of her beautifully prepared osechi.
This year’s spread included an array of visually appealing dishes.The day before, she had previewed other components of the feast, including kinton (candied sweet potatoes), steak, adn grilled pork. In previous years, her osechi presentations have been equally impressive. Last year, she and Koki collaborated on a stunning display featuring temari sushi made with salmon, tuna, crab, and white fish. In 2021,she even crafted a luxurious eight-tiered osechi,a testament to her culinary skill and dedication to tradition.
The response from her followers was overwhelmingly positive. Comments included, ”It looks delicious, I hope you and your family have a year full of happiness and smiles,” “The temari sushi looks cute and delicious,” “It’s so gorgeous,” and “I’ve been waiting for this. It’s New Year’s Day at the Kimura family.” Other enthusiastic remarks praised the “red vinegar rice that makes you feel good,” and lauded Koki’s contribution as “My cooking partner is the best.” One fan exclaimed, “It’s amazing! They all look so delicious! the dishes are so beautiful that it’s almost a waste to eat them.”
Kudo, married to Takuya Kimura since December 5, 2000, is also mother to two daughters, Cocomi (born May 2001) and Koki (born February 2003). Her frequent Instagram posts showcasing her home-cooked meals offer a delightful glimpse into the life of this celebrated Japanese singer and family.
Interview: Unveiling the Tradition of Osechi Ryori
We recently spoke with Dr. Yumiko Sato, a sociologist specializing in japanese cultural practices, about Shizuka KudoS impressive display of osechi ryori and what it reveals about this cherished New Year’s custom.
Sarah Thomas:
Dr. Sato, Shizuka Kudo’s Instagram post showcasing her elaborate osechi ryori has garnered a lot of attention. Can you tell us more about the significance of this tradition?
Dr. Yumiko Sato: Osechi ryori is more than just a meal; it’s a symbolic representation of New year’s wishes for good luck,health,and prosperity. Each dish has a special meaning and is carefully selected for its symbolism. For instance, the colorful assortment of dishes in Kudo’s osechi, including temari sushi, represents joy and longevity, while kinton (candied sweet potatoes) symbolizes good fortune.
Sarah Thomas: It seems Kudo often involves her daughter, Koki, in preparing the meal. What does this tell us about the role of family in this tradition?
Dr. Yumiko Sato:
Preparing osechi ryori together is a beautiful way for families to connect and bond over generations. Passing on these culinary traditions from mother to daughter strengthens family ties and ensures that cultural practices are preserved.
Sarah Thomas:Many of Kudo’s fans have reacted enthusiastically to her osechi creations. Would you say this reflects a wider interest in Japanese culinary traditions?
Dr. Yumiko Sato:
Absolutely. Social media paltforms like Instagram have played a important role in popularizing Japanese cuisine and cultural practices worldwide. Seeing public figures like Shizuka Kudo share their personal experiences with traditions like osechi ryori helps to create a greater appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture.
Sarah Thomas:
Thank you for your insights, Dr. Sato. Your expertise has shed light on the rich cultural traditions surrounding osechi ryori.
