Modern Japanese celebrations

It starts with enjoying food.

What is “Okuizome”?

This event celebrates the baby's safe 100 days after birth and makes wishes that the baby will never have to worry about food for the rest of his or her life, and that he or she will have strong teeth. Family and relatives gather around the baby and eat a celebratory meal of soup and three side dishes.

Since it is often held on the 100th day after birth, it is also called momokaiwai (100-day celebration).　

　

The ceremony of O-kuizome, which expresses wishes such as "for the baby to never have to worry about food for the rest of his or her life" and "for the baby to grow strong teeth," also includes the hope that the daily meals spent with the baby from now on will be filled with more smiles.

We hope you enjoy a celebratory meal that will enrich your daily lives.

　

＜Items used this time＞

Click on the image to go to the product page.

　

　

What kind of tableware should I use for the first meal?

　

Officially, it is said to be traditional to use lacquerware. However, there is no rule that says it must be this way. When choosing lacquerware, boys should choose lacquerware that is vermilion on both the outside and inside. Girls should choose lacquerware that is black on the outside and vermilion on the inside. (This may vary depending on the region.)

　

In recent years, in addition to lacquerware, there are a variety of materials available, including stylish ceramics that are easy to use in everyday life, wood such as bamboo, and safe and easy-to-use plastics.

Traditional lacquerware makes a special keepsake and, if properly stored, can be used for many years at various celebratory ceremonies.

These practical tableware will serve you well for a long time, from everyday baby food to other special occasions.

Five dishes for the first meal

The "first meal" has been based on the traditional Japanese menu of one soup and three dishes.

There are two types of "ichiju-sansai" ( one soup and three side dishes) : "honzen ryori" (main course meal) and "modern home cooking." Either method is acceptable. "Honzen ryori" is based on the traditional methods of Japanese cuisine , while "modern home cooking" is based on everyday home cooking that takes nutritional balance into consideration.

 

[Honzen cuisine] In the "one soup and three side dishes" style of honzen cuisine, it is proper to serve grilled food (grilled fish) in a separate dish from the main dish. In honzen cuisine, rice is the main dish, with soup as its "accompaniment." For this reason, the parent and soup bowls have lids that go inside the bowl, while the flat and pot bowls for side dishes have lids that go on the outside.

[Modern home cooking] Front left ▶ Rice, front right ▶ Soup, back right ▶ Main dish (meat, fish, etc.), back left ▶ Side dish (slightly heavy side dish), middle ▶ Second side dish (light side dish). The shape of each dish should be chosen according to the food being served .

The menu varies widely, reflecting the characteristics of each region and incorporating local specialties. There is no set rule that says it has to be this way.
Let's prepare a celebratory meal in each household and pray for the baby's future health and happiness.

・We use seasonal ingredients.
- To avoid an unbalanced diet, include vegetables, fish, seafood, and mountain products.
-The current "Okuizome" ceremony is a combination of the "Okuizome" ceremony, in which rice is fed, and the "Uo-mi-iwai" ceremony, in which fish is fed, so it is considered better to serve fish rather than meat if possible.

[Flat bowl] Simmered food

There are no set rules for the ingredients used in simmered dishes, and they are often garnished with local specialties or seasonal ingredients. Common ingredients include taro, lotus root, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, and shrimp, and each has a different meaning, origin, and meaning behind it.

 

[Tsubo-wan] Raw vinegar

A plate that incorporates auspicious colors.
Vinegared foods have the role of refreshing the mouth and resetting the palate. For good luck, red and white pickled vegetables and octopus vinegared dishes, which have the meaning of "tako" (happiness), are served with the dish.

[Rice bowl] Red rice

Since ancient times, the color red has been believed to ward off evil spirits and ward off evil. Red rice is an indispensable dish not only for the first meal ceremony, but also for various celebratory occasions.

[Soup bowl] Clear soup

The traditional clear soup is made with a rich stock, with the hope that the baby will "suck vigorously and grow up strong." The most common ingredient is clams, which are believed to help the baby "be blessed with a good partner."

 

[Tall cup, small bowl] Incense, teething stone

Around 100 days after birth, some babies start to get their baby teeth, so a "teething stone" is prepared with the hope that the baby will have strong teeth. It is also common to add pickled plums to the offering, as a prayer for patience and longevity.

Festive table and food decoration

 

The ceremony of O-kuizome, which expresses wishes such as "for the baby to never have to worry about food for the rest of his or her life" and "for the baby to grow strong teeth," also includes the hope that the daily meals spent with the baby from now on will be filled with more smiles.

We hope you enjoy a celebratory meal that will enrich your daily lives.

＜Items used this time＞

▼Click on the image to go to the product page▼

　

Original tableware for the first meal of a new baby, carefully selected by < Hare to Kurashi>. Add a touch of color to your celebratory table and everyday meals. We have a selection of tableware that is natural yet colorful. We hope that the celebratory table gathered around the family will be even more colorful.