end of the year(Oseibo)
As the name implies, “Toshogore” is a gift given at the end of the year as a token of gratitude to those who have taken care of one’s family and friends. The time of giving is slightly different in both regions: from late November to around December 20 in eastern Japan, and from December 13 to around December 20 in western Japan. The origin of the year-end gift is said to be the “Omitamatsuri,” an event held from the end of the year to the beginning of the year in Japan to honor the spirits of ancestors. It is said that offerings made at the festival were the origin of the holiday season’s festivities.
