Toshigami

, also known as , is a Japanese kami and a part of the Shinto pantheon.

Etymology The 年 (nen) kanji originally meant "harvest", which became "year" over time as harvest happened once each year. Toshigami was therefore the god of abundant harvests, and specifically of grain or rice. , , , , , , and .

Worship Toshigami is believed to visit homes at every New Year. The decorations put out for the new year, such as kadomatsu and the kagami mochi rice cakes, were originally offerings to him.

His home is believed to be on Shimokoshiki-shima Island, off the coast of Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyushu.

Toshigami's name refers to the rice harvest. In ancient Japan, Toshigami was also worshipped as a patron of good harvests at the start of the year, influencing Japanese new year's traditions.