Osechi is a traditional Japanese New Year dish, typically prepared in advance and enjoyed during the first few days of January. It consists of various colorful foods, each symbolizing good fortune, health, and prosperity for the coming year. The dishes are often arranged in special boxes called jubako, which resemble tiered bento boxes. Common ingredients in Osechi include kuromame (sweet black soybeans), kazunoko (herring roe), and tazukuri (candied sardines). Families often share Osechi together, making it a festive meal that emphasizes the importance of family and tradition in Japanese culture.