Hatsuyume – The Meaning of Japan’s First Dream of the New Year

When celebrating the New Year in Japan, you may hear people talking about Hatsuyume, the first dream of the year. In Japanese culture, this dream is believed to carry special meaning and is often associated with good luck and future fortune. In this article, we explore what Hatsuyume is, its cultural background, and how this unique tradition is still enjoyed today.

What Is Hatsuyume?

Hatsuyume literally means “first dream.” It refers to the first dream a person has in the New Year, traditionally believed to occur on the night of January 1st or sometimes January 2nd, depending on interpretation. This dream is thought to offer hints about one’s luck and success in the coming year.

The custom has existed since the Edo period (1603–1868) and became popular among common people as a way to symbolically predict the future. Rather than a strict fortune-telling practice, Hatsuyume is more about hope, positive thinking, and playful curiosity.

Famous Symbols in Hatsuyume

Certain images are considered especially lucky if they appear in a Hatsuyume. The most well-known phrase associated with this tradition is:

“Ichi Fuji, Ni Taka, San Nasubi”
(First Mount Fuji, second a hawk, third an eggplant)

• Mount Fuji: Symbolizes greatness, stability, and good fortune.
• Hawk: Represents strength, ambition, and success.
• Eggplant: Traditionally associated with achievement and prosperity, partly due to wordplay and historical connections.

Seeing any of these in your first dream is believed to bring good luck for the year.

Cultural Background and Beliefs

Hatsuyume reflects a uniquely Japanese blend of superstition, humor, and optimism. While many people do not take the meanings too literally, the tradition encourages starting the year with positive expectations.

In the past, some people placed images of Mount Fuji or lucky ships under their pillows to influence their dreams. One famous image is the Takarabune, a treasure ship carrying the Seven Lucky Gods, which was believed to bring pleasant dreams and protect sleepers from bad luck.

How Hatsuyume Is Viewed Today

In modern Japan, Hatsuyume is often discussed casually rather than seriously. Friends and family may ask each other, “What did you dream about?” and laugh about strange or memorable dreams.

Although fewer people actively try to influence their dreams, the concept of Hatsuyume remains widely known and is frequently referenced in media, manga, and everyday conversation during the New Year season.

Can Travelers Experience Hatsuyume?

While Hatsuyume happens naturally during sleep, travelers can still enjoy learning about this charming tradition. Understanding Hatsuyume adds cultural depth to a New Year visit and helps explain why dreams are sometimes mentioned in seasonal conversations.

You may notice New Year-themed decorations, postcards, or souvenirs featuring Mount Fuji or the Takarabune, all of which are connected to the idea of good dreams and good fortune.

Why Hatsuyume Matters for Visitors

Hatsuyume shows how Japanese New Year traditions extend beyond visible ceremonies and food, reaching into personal and symbolic experiences. It highlights the importance of reflection, imagination, and hope.

For visitors, learning about Hatsuyume offers a gentle and human perspective on Japanese culture—one that reminds us that welcoming a new year often begins in the quiet moments, even while we sleep.