Autumn nights in Japan are a beautiful sight. The sky becomes clearer, and the moon shines brighter. This special time of year is celebrated with a tradition called Otsukimi (お月見; Japanese Moon-Viewing) in Japan.
What is Otsukimi?
Otsukimi is a tradition of appreciating the full moon in autumn. While its roots trace back to China’s "Mid-Autumn Festival," Japan developed its own version, historically linked to giving thanks for the harvest and wishing for a good crop in the coming year.
The main day for Otsukimi is the 15th day of the eighth month in the traditional Japanese calendar. This night is also known as "Chushu no Meigetsu (中秋の名月)", or the "Mid-Autumn Moon," and is considered the most beautiful moon of the year. This year, it falls on October 6th.
Many Japanese people see a rabbit pounding mochi (rice cakes) on the moon, based on an old legend. The shadows on the moon’s surface are said to resemble a rabbit making a meal, a charming detail of the Otsukimi story.
Traditional Decorations for Otsukimi
During Otsukimi, Japanese households may display seasonal decorations that celebrate the harvest:
- Susuki (Japanese Pampas Grass): Represents rice plants and a good harvest.
- Tsukimi Dango (Moon-Viewing Dumplings): Small, round dumplings stacked in a pyramid, traditionally associated with honoring the moon.
- Seasonal Crops: Taro roots and other fresh autumn vegetables are offered as a way of giving thanks for the harvest.
A Muslim-Friendly Moon-Viewing Treat
As part of the cultural custom, seasonal foods like dango (rice dumplings) are often enjoyed. For Muslims who would like to try those kinds of dango, you must be careful!
Traditional versions might contain ingredients that are not halal, but there are safe alternatives.
We recommend the Bite-Sized Mochi from JAPANeid, a Muslim-friendly souvenir shop in Osaka. These treats are personally verified by JAPANeid's Muslim staff following their "Muslim-Friendly Policy," by checking ingredients and production processes with manufacturers, so you can enjoy them with peace of mind. They come individually wrapped, making them a perfect, hassle-free snack to enjoy while you gaze at the moon.
You can buy them directly from JAPANeid's online shop. This way, you can easily get a taste of Japan's autumn traditions, no matter where you are in the world!
Appreciating the Japanese Autumn
Autumn is a wonderful time to look up at the night sky. With simple snacks like these, anyone can enjoy the seasonal atmosphere and learn about this unique Japanese tradition.
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Your Trusted Halal Souvenir Shop in Osaka: JAPANeid!
JAPANeid is more than just a place to buy matcha; we're Osaka's NO.1 Halal souvenir shop. We offer a wide range of Halal-certified treats, Muslim-friendly Japanese snacks (meticulously checked by our Muslim staff for their halal status), stunning Kimono Hijabs (made with authentic kimono fabric), Tatami or Nishijin prayer mats, and cosmetics.
Our Osaka shop is designed for your comfort and convenience:
- Separate prayer rooms for men and women (with Wudu facilities, Qibla direction, prayer accessories)
- Multilingual Muslim staff (English, Malay, Indonesian, Arabic)
- Free testers for most sweets
- A dedicated kids' play area
- Comfortable resting chairs and tables
- Complimentary foot massage chair
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
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Visit us for an authentic Japanese shopping experience – everything is Muslim-friendly!
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📍 JAPANeid Shop Access & Opening Dates here.
Not Coming to Osaka? Get Halal Snacks Delivered to Your Hotel!
Even if you're not stopping by Osaka, JAPANeid's online shop makes it easy! Get Halal snacks, meals (like onigiri and ramen), and others delivered directly to your hotel anywhere in Japan, or shipped internationally.
So even if you’re on the go and can’t find Halal food, you’ll have something ready to enjoy.
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