In Japan, celebrating new year continues in three days. This is called “Sanga-Nichi” (means “The three days”). Many people returns to their homestead and make greetings. The foods at Sanga-Nichi is called “Osechi” (means “Food for changing period”). Especially, a rice cake soup called “Ozouni” or “Zouni” is served at the breakfast of each three day.

Zouni is very different between areas of Japan. In many area, Zouni has grilled rice cakes “Mochi” and vegetables in bonito based transparent soup “Sumashi-Jiru”. Another area, soybean paste soup “Miso-Shiru” is used instead of “Sumashi-Jiru”. In my homestead — Osaka Area– uses white soybean paste “Shiro-Miso” and vegetables as white radish (Daikon), red carrot (Kintoki-Ninjin), arrowhead (Kuwai), tied kelp (Musubi-Kobu), and rice cakes which is NOT grilled.

In Osaka, white soybean paste Zouni is only served at 1st day of new year. At the second day, the style of Zouni is changed: potherb mustard (Mizuna) and grilled rice cakes are in bonito based transparent soup. In other area, the content of Zouni is same through the three-day of new year.