So here we are. My very first New Year in Japan is just around the corner.
I’m going to tell you a little bit about it, as you’ll see it’s pretty different from what’s happening in the Western World.
I don’t know about you but for me, New Year’s Eve, both in France and in the US, always was synonym with a big party, possibly the biggest party of the year. And as a consequence, New Year’s Day was often spent at home, or even in bed, most of the time with a big hangover. Ok, to be totally honest, I have had such a big party in a few years, the last four or five New Year’s Eve were spent with the family. I guess age plays a part here, being married to a Japanese woman too.
In Japan, while New Year’s Day is as important as in the West, possibly even more important (we get not one, but three non-working holidays here and most people even get a few extra vacation days), New Year’s Eve is actually quite low key. It’s almost a normal day actually.
If I understand correctly, tonight, after a dinner composed of noodles (mostly Soba and Udon) the Japanese population will be divided in two parts:
- Some people will stay at home with their family, watch TV and possibly even go to bed before midnight.
- Some others will go to the local shrine, where there will be a small ceremony at midnight.
So have fun tonight, and I see you in 2012…
This picture is a teaser for a future post. Yes this is the Ritsurin Garden at night.
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New Year’s Eve is a little quieter in Japan, but I still love it for the traditions and customs.
I’m learning about them as we speak.
(on a side note, no need to include your blog in the text of the comment, there’s a link included in your name and the comment luv)
Risturin Koen is open at night?
Happy New Year to you and family!
Usually it’s not (closes at 5PM in Winter and 6PM in Summer I think). However, it is open at night a few nights a year, some of them being in November. 🙂
Happy New Year to you and your family too.
My family and I stay home because it’s very cold.
However we adults will go to bed after midnight.
Anyway happy new year to your new life. 🙂
Yes, we’re still not sure whether we will go to the shrine or stay home. It’s cold too, and I am a little sick, so we may stay indoors. We’ll see.
Thanks and Happy New Year to you too.
Happy New Year, David, and all my best wishes for 2012. What a special year!
Thanks. Same to you.
Happy New Year, David! I hope your first year in Japan will be a real dragon year of wealth and prosperity.
Thank you. I hope too. 😉