[Start the New Year Fresh with a New Bowl]

Have you ever heard the saying that it's good to replace everyday items at the start of a new year? Many of us probably remember getting new underwear or undershirts as children. Perhaps influenced by that, as an adult, I've made it a tradition to replace my underwear, swap out all my towels, and welcome a new piece of tableware.

The act of replacing items at the year's turning point feels distinct from mere replacement; it seems a uniquely Japanese sensibility, an attempt to align one's mindset and the rhythm of daily life. The New Year symbolizes a “beginning.” As seen in the custom of deep cleaning, it has long been believed that welcoming the year in a pristine state invites good fortune and health.

Considering this, tableware—essential for daily meals—seems particularly suited for renewal at the New Year. Even just replacing one type of dish you care about—a rice bowl, soup bowl, small plate, or teacup—can lift your spirits. Among these, the rice bowl is a vessel you handle nearly every day. Since rice is a source of vitality, choosing a new one to match the start of the year might bring a slight shift in your awareness of daily meals. If any pieces are chipped or cracked, replacing them can also signal your intention to “cherish the coming year.”

When selecting a rice bowl, consider how it fits comfortably in your hand, the softness of its rim against your lips, and whether it makes the rice look beautiful. But most importantly, does it make you feel content every time you use it? Let your favorite bowl accompany you in wishing for a healthy year through the meals that sustain your daily life.

Hakusan Porcelain's Hirachawan come in nine carefully selected varieties at our store. Each is about 3 cm wider in diameter than standard bowls, with patterns applied to both the inside and outside. This means your favorite scenery naturally catches your eye during mealtime. The simple, modern shape is characteristic of Hasami ware, and some patterns feature colors that hint at the warming season ahead. Why not find your favorite piece?

Hakusan Porcelain's Hirachawan
https://www.shokunin.com/en/hakusan/hirachawan.html
Showroom Information
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/