| A | B |
|---|
| Black Soybeans (Kuromame) | mamemameshii or “diligent” |
| Herring Roe (Kazunoko) | the word sounds like kazu no ooi ko or “numerous children” |
| Pounded Burdock (Tataki Gobō) | a family will stay rooted in the land for generations to come |
| Red and White Kamaboko (Kōhaku Kamaboko) | red and white kōhaku kamaboko eaten at New Year suggests the first sunrise |
| The color red | Red wards off evil spirits |
| The color white | White symbolizes purity |
| Chestnut and Sweet Potato Mash (Kuri Kinton) | Gold represents a wish for prosperity |
| Konbu Rolls (Konbumaki/Kobumaki) | konbu means happyused for wrapping these rolls is propitious for its similarity to the word yorokobu (happy). Maki symbolizes studying and learning. |
| herring (Nishin) | This word sounds like 2 parents and means long life |
| Sweet Rolled Omelet (Datemaki) | Date in the name expresses elegance and sophistication. Maki symbolizes books and learning, representing academic success. |
| Shrimp (Ebi) | Old people with curved backs or long life |
| Sea Bream (Tai) | Omedetai or future success |
| lotus root (renkon) | (the holes symbolize a clear future) |
| dried shiitake | (shaped like a turtle’s shell to stand for longevity) |
| konnyaku (konjac) | (shaped to represent marriage ties) |
| Kuwai (Arrowhead Bulbs or Water Chestnuts)) | career success |
