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New Year’s Eve in Japan

 

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.
What about us?
We’re not sure yet. We will most likely go check the local shrine to see if there is something going on (it’s a small one, so there may not be anything). Else, it will be a normal evening for us, I may even blog a little, who knows?
On the other hand, lots of things are planned for the next two or three days. More about that soon.

So have fun tonight, and I see you in 2012…

 

Ritsurin de Nuit

 

This picture is a teaser for a future post. Yes this is the Ritsurin Garden at night.

 

 


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10 thoughts on “New Year’s Eve in Japan”

    1. 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)

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

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