What is Okuizome?
Meaning, How to Do It, and Origin of the Dishes

Okuizome (also known as Hyakunichi-iwai or 100-Day Celebration) is a traditional Japanese ceremony to wish for a baby's healthy growth.
Around 100 days after birth, a symbolic meal is offered to the baby with the wish that they will "never want for food throughout their life."

This historic ceremony, believed to have originated in the Heian period, is still cherished and passed down in many households today.
Here, we will explain the meaning, origin, preparation, day-of flow, and significance of the dishes for Okuizome in an easy-to-understand way.

What is Okuizome (Meaning of Hyakunichi-iwai)?

Okuizome is a celebration held around 100 days after birth, also known as "Hyakunichi-iwai" (Hundred-Day Celebration).

It is characterized by the act of bringing food to the baby's mouth and "pretending to feed" them, rather than actually having the baby eat the food.
This ceremony embodies the wishes that:

・The child will never go hungry in their life
・The child will grow up healthy

These wishes are deeply embedded in this tradition.

The Origin and History of Okuizome

The origin of Okuizome is said to be the "Momoka" ceremony performed during the Heian period.

Initially, it was a ceremony using mochi (rice cakes), but over time, fish came to be used, and it became known as "Manahajime" (first fish).
Also, because it was the first time chopsticks were used, it was also called "Hashihajime" (first chopsticks) or "Hashizoroe" (arranging chopsticks).

In ancient times, it was difficult for babies to survive to adulthood, so a culture of celebrating growth at each milestone emerged.
That sentiment has been passed down to the modern Okuizome.

When to hold it? Where to hold it? Who to invite?

It is generally held around 100 to 120 days after birth.

However, it does not have to be exactly on the 100th day.
Prioritize the baby's and mother's health when deciding on the date.

Considering family convenience, auspicious days, season, and weather, families often adjust the date to when everyone can gather, or even combine it with the Omiyamairi (shrine visit).

Where to hold it? Differences between home and dining out

While it was once common to celebrate the 100-day celebration at restaurants or traditional Japanese restaurants, it is now increasingly common to hold it at home.

Advantages and disadvantages of holding it at home

・Relaxed atmosphere
・Easier to keep costs down
・Requires preparation and cleanup

Advantages and disadvantages of holding it at a restaurant or traditional Japanese restaurant

・No preparation required
・Special atmosphere
・Costs tend to be higher

It is important to choose based on your family's style.

Who participates? What is a foster parent?

Okuizome can be held with just the family, or grandparents and relatives can also be invited.

The person who pretends to feed the baby is called a Yashinai-oya (foster parent), and generally, it is the oldest person of the same gender as the baby.

If grandparents are not present, it is perfectly fine for the father or mother to perform the role.

Okuizome Dishes and Their Meanings

The celebratory meal is typically based on "Ichiju Sansai" (one soup, three side dishes).
Each dish carries a specific meaning.

・Osekihan (red bean rice)

Ward off evil spirits, wish for longevity

・Hamaguri no osuimono (clam soup)

Marital harmony (good relationships)

・Tai (sea bream, whole fish)

Auspiciousness, accomplishing things

・Nimono (simmered dish)

Growth and longevity (e.g., lotus root, shrimp, bamboo shoots)

・Konomono/Sunomono (pickles/vinegared dish)

Happiness, long life

Table Setting

The traditional "Honzen-ryori" arrangement is typically used.

・Front left: Rice
・Front right: Soup
・Back left: Nimono (simmered dish)
・Back right: Sunomono (vinegared dish)
・Center: Hagamane-ishi (tooth-hardening stone)

What is a Hagatame-ishi (tooth-hardening stone)?

It is a stone used with the wish that "strong teeth will grow."

How to obtain one

・Receive it from a shrine
・Borrow it from shrine grounds and return it
・Pick it up from a riverbed

How to use

Touch the stone with chopsticks, then lightly touch the baby's gums with the chopsticks.

*This is not mandatory; umeboshi (pickled plum) can sometimes be used as a substitute.

Order of feeding (basic flow)

During Okuizome, you pretend to feed the baby in the following order:

Rice → Soup → Rice → Fish → Rice → Soup

This sequence is repeated three times in total.

*As there are regional differences, strict adherence is not always necessary.

Clothing Tips

Baby

・Kimono or hakama-style romper
・Ceremony dress

Adults

・Suit or smart casual attire
・Slightly casual is acceptable if at home

However, there are no strict rules.
Consider the season and your physical condition, and dress comfortably.
It's also important to consider the overall balance.

It's important to enjoy it within reasonable limits

Okuizome does not require strict adherence to formalities.
What's important is for the family to celebrate the baby's growth.

・Simply with just the family
・Lively with relatives invited
・Participating online

Any style is perfectly fine.

Okuizome (Hyakunichi-iwai) is an important event to express gratitude for the baby's growth so far and to wish for their healthy future.

While preparations and customs can be daunting, the most important thing is the "feeling of celebration."
Spend a memorable day in a way that suits your family.

May your celebration be filled with your baby's smiles.