The New Year is still months away, but department stores across Japan are already promoting their boxed sets of “osechi” food dishes eaten during the holiday.
Major chain Takashimaya unveiled about 20 different selections last week.
Some use items from the Noto Peninsula, which was hit by a deadly earthquake on New Year’s Day this year. One set includes local specialties from the region, such as oyster, white shrimp and firefly squid.
Another option is priced around 12,000 yen, or a little over 80 dollars, and offers buyers a choice between 35 different food items. Takashimaya says it’s trying to produce an attractive selection at a reasonable price despite inflation.
Takashimaya buyer Amagasa Ayuko said, “We have prepared sets with various dishes so that each person in large groups can find something to enjoy.”
Matsuya department store says costs are higher, but it has kept prices for its standard osechi sets at around 20,000 to 30,000 yen, or about 130 to 200 dollars.
However, it is also offering a premium set developed with chefs at a Ginza French restaurant. It carries a price tag of over 70,000 yen, or nearly 500 dollars.
The stores will accept orders through late December. They expect sales to be the same as last year or higher.