Hatsuyume: Decoding Japan’s First Dream of the New Year
In the West, New Year’s resolutions are the primary method for setting the tone of the coming year. However, in Japan, the forecast for your luck over the next twelve months might not be decided by what you write in a journal, but by what you see while you sleep. This is the tradition of Hatsuyume (初夢), or the “First Dream.”
As a traveler or cultural enthusiast exploring the rich tapestry of Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year), understanding this unique superstition offers a fascinating glimpse into the Japanese subconscious and the enduring power of symbolism in daily life.
The Origins of Dream Divination
While dream interpretation has existed in Japanese culture since the dawn of recorded history—appearing in ancient texts where emperors and gods communicated through slumber—the specific tradition of Hatsuyume solidified during the Edo period (1603–1867).
Historically, there has been some debate regarding exactly when the first dream occurs. In the older lunar calendar, days began at sunset, leading to confusion about whether the dream of New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day counted. By the mid-Edo period, the consensus settled on the night of January 2nd leading into the morning of January 3rd. Today, however, many Japanese people consider the dream had on the night of January 1st to be the true Hatsuyume.
Regardless of the specific night, the belief is rooted in the idea that the beginning of the year is a sacred time where the boundary between the mundane and the spiritual is thin, allowing the gods to hint at one’s fortune.
The Legend of the Lucky Three: Fuji, Hawk, Eggplant
If you ask a Japanese person what brings the best luck in a first dream, they will likely recite the famous proverb: “Ichi-Fuji, Ni-Taka, San-Nasubi” (1. Mt. Fuji, 2. Hawk, 3. Eggplant).
Why this eclectic trio? The origins are often attributed to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Edo period, who supposedly listed these as his favorite things. However, the cultural symbolism runs deeper:
1. Mount Fuji (Fuji)
As Japan’s highest peak, Mt. Fuji symbolizes high goals and distinct achievement. Furthermore, the word Fuji sounds similar to fushi (immortality) or buji (safety/well-being). To dream of the mountain is to receive a blessing of longevity and lofty success.
2. The Hawk (Taka)
Hawks are clever, strong birds that fly high. The word taka is a homonym for “high” or “tall” (takai). Dreaming of a hawk suggests rising above your circumstances, seizing opportunities, and obtaining freedom.
3. The Eggplant (Nasubi)
Perhaps the most confusing to foreigners, the eggplant is a powerful symbol of fertility and success. In Japanese, nasu (eggplant) shares the same sound as the verb nasu (to accomplish or to achieve). Therefore, dreaming of an eggplant implies that your hard work will bear fruit and your goals will be accomplished.
The Hidden Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth
Though rarely mentioned in modern conversation, the list traditionally continues: “Yon-Sen, Go-Tabako, Roku-Zato” (4. Fan, 5. Tobacco, 6. Blind Acupuncturist). The fan spreads out (symbolizing increasing prosperity), tobacco smoke rises high (like luck), and the blind acupuncturist (Zato) implies “missing the mark”—a pun meaning you will not be hurt or cursed.
Modern Culture and the Treasure Ship
In contemporary Japan, while few people genuinely fear a bad dream will ruin their year, the tradition remains a beloved conversation starter. Friends and coworkers often ask, “What was your Hatsuyume?” upon returning from the holidays.
To ensure a good dream, a traditional custom involves the Takarabune (Treasure Ship). This is a picture of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) sailing on a ship loaded with treasures. Tradition dictates that if you place this picture under your pillow on the night of January 1st or 2nd, you are more likely to have a fortuitous dream.
If you have a nightmare, folklore offers a remedy: you can cry out to the Baku—a mythological tapir-like creature that eats bad dreams—by saying, “I give this dream to the Baku.”
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing the Belief
If you find yourself in Japan during the New Year, you can participate in this quiet cultural phenomenon:
- Visit a Shrine: Many shrines sell amulets (omamori) or pictures of the Takarabune during the first few days of January. Buying one is a great souvenir.
- Mount Fuji Views: If you can’t dream of it, seeing it is the next best thing. Visit the Fuji Five Lakes area or Hakone in early January for crisp, clear views of the sacred mountain.
- Eat the Luck: Many Kaiseki (traditional multi-course) New Year meals may include eggplant or shapes resembling Mt. Fuji to internalize the luck.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the deep roots of Japanese dream interpretation and mythology, the following texts and periods offer insight:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) & The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): While these ancient texts do not mention the specific “Fuji-Hawk-Eggplant” trio, they establish the fundamental Japanese belief in the spiritual significance of dreams and the influence of the kami (gods) on the sleeping mind.
- Edo Period Literature: The specific proverb regarding Mt. Fuji and the hawk is largely traced back to Edo-era compendiums such as the Kaei-tsuho.
- Sanyō Zakki: A historical text often cited when discussing the origins of the specific items listed in the superstition.