Is there such a thing as thrifty osechi

Osechi is the is a traditional Japanese New Year's feast. It usual features a variety of symbolic, colorful bite size treats, a lot of them food that the average person doesn't eat on a regular day. There are various types of pre-made osechi you can buy in the supermarket that come in beautiful tiered lacquer boxes. But they are not cheap.

Store bought pre-made Osechi has always been expensive, but with the hike of prices of most in 2025, the osechi box sets are more expensive than ever. The prices have climbed for the fourth year in a row. In 2024 the Japan Times reported the average price for the 2025 New Year Osechi was 27,826 yen. This year, for the 2026 New Year, it is probably closer to 30,000 yen. There are a few options that are pitched as "thrifty", such as the one pictured in this post. However, even though its on the cheaper side, it costs just under 10,000 yen. 

To me, that is not "thrifty".  I know that the ingredients aren't run of the mill and they are carefully selected for good fortune, health, and prosperity for the coming year. But one of the points of osechi is to allow families to rest from cooking during the first few days of the new year. There are six people in my immediate family. That osechi would be consumed in seconds! 

Is it possible to buy a truly thrifty osechi? And if so, where can you get one!? The best way to keep the cost down is to make it yourself, using less gourmet food. It is very labor intensive, but if it is prepared by all in the family its a nice way to bond during the winter break.