In the beginning of the new year, Japanese visits a shrine to pray for the well‐being of the family.
Today, I’ve been to my neighbor shrine and gotten senbei ( Japanese rice crackers ) that had already served as an offering.
It is believed to be auspicious to eat the offering which was handed down by the god.

New Year greeting card with a pretty bunny was sent from my friend, Ayano Imai working as a professional children’s book author and illustrator.
Her talent is so amazing that her greeting card comes to my annual pleasure!

May your 2011 be a wonderful year

Senbei are Japanese rice crackers made by being baked or grilled traditionally over charcoal.
They are often eaten with green tea as a casual snack.Senbei come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, usually savory but sometimes sweet.

This one is sweet type senbei which has crispy horsebeans mixed inside.
A print of deer is a familiar motif of Nara prefecture.

Shop information:
Kuruminoki’s homepage (Japanese)
Kuruminoki’s homepage (English translated by Google)