How to Celebrate Japanese New Year

The Japanese New Year occurs on January first of each New Year. As one of the most important holidays in Japan, it focuses on new beginnings. Families celebrate the holiday from January first through the third.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Host a Bonenkai party. These parties for coworkers, business associates or other friends are held throughout December. The purpose of the party is to leave the worries and troubles of the passing year behind you. Most people host a Bonenkai party at a restaurant.

2. Prepare for the New Year. All duties from the previous year are to be completed before Japanese New Year. Your home and clothes should be cleaned. Traditionally homes and entryways are decorated with pine, bamboo or plum tree ornaments.

3. Host a Japanese New Year's Eve Party. This party should focus on family. Foods that are typically served include toshikoshi soba for longevity, osechi ryoir, otoso and ozoni. Some families watch "Kohaku Uta Gassen," which is a television show featuring Japan's most famous singers.

4. Watch the sunrise on January first. This brings in the New Year and starts what should be a stress free day. You can also visit a shrine or a temple. Several temples and shrines ring bells at Midnight in Japan on New Year's Eve.

5. Send cards to friends and family. Similar to Christmas cards, these cards are marked for delivery on the first of January. The cards wish prosperity, longevity and happiness to the recipients.