As the New Year begins, various traditional events are held across Japan. One of the most beloved New Year customs in the Kansai region is Toka Ebisu.
Toka Ebisu takes place every year from January 9 to 11, during which many people visit shrines to pray for business success and prosperity. Ebisu, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, has long been worshipped as the god of commerce and prosperity, making this event a symbolic tradition that marks the start of a new year.
A distinctive feature of Toka Ebisu is the “Fukuzasa”, bamboo branches decorated with lucky charms. Visitors purchase these charms and decorate the bamboo as a way of wishing for good fortune throughout the year. The lively chants and energetic atmosphere create a positive, forward-looking mood that feels perfectly suited to the beginning of the year.
Famous Shrines for Toka Ebisu
Although Toka Ebisu is celebrated nationwide, several shrines in the Kansai area are especially well known:
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine (Osaka)
Famous for the energetic chant “Shobai Hanjo de Sasa Motte Koi!” (“Prosper in business, come and get your bamboo!”), this shrine is one of the most iconic Ebisu shrines in Kansai.
Nishinomiya Shrine (Hyogo)
The head shrine of approximately 3,500 Ebisu shrines across Japan. It is also known for the “Lucky Man Race (Fuku-otoko Erabi)” held on the first day of Toka Ebisu.
Kyoto Ebisu Shrine (Kyoto)
Closely tied to Kyoto’s merchant culture, this shrine offers a more calm and traditional atmosphere for worship.
A Japanese Business Tradition: Valuing the Start of the Year
In Japan, it was once common for companies to visit shrines together at the beginning of the year.
On the first working day, employees and executives would pray for safety, success, and prosperity in the year ahead. This was a familiar sight for many businesses in the past.
While these customs have evolved over time, the underlying values remain deeply rooted in Japanese culture: cherishing milestones and starting the year with a positive mindset. These ideas continue to influence how people work and think in Japan today.
Looking Ahead to a New Year
At ZenGroup, we operate a global cross-border e-commerce business, but we also place great importance on Japanese culture and values. Events like Toka Ebisu serve as a symbolic moment to reflect on the past year and embrace a fresh start. Learning about these cultural traditions is part of what makes working in Japan unique and meaningful.
The New Year is a time to reset, refocus, and take on new challenges.
At ZenGroup, we will continue to grow together with our diverse team while honoring the cultural foundations that shape us.
