Happy New Year in Japan

I like watching anime of Japan. I learn about culture, lifestyle in the city and countryside, how to make food on each occasion. In japan have a lot of festival, I choose "Happy New Year" Festival to show you about activities in that day. I think, it is interesting and fun.

On the night of December 31, New Year's Eve in Japan. Department stores and shops will be closed earlier than usual. During that time, atmosphere of quiet because people are hurry to go home and prepare to celebrate with family or dating with couple. But on the other hand, if a restaurant or 井坂や (restaurant for drinking in Japan) is the most period to get money. Some stores also provide customers with the opening all night. Whether it will be crowded with people, although the need to queue for long stretches. They can wait for hours.

Sweet Sake

And when it says to food. What do Japanese people eat on the night of December 31 to welcome the new year to come, it is 年越しそば : としこしそば (Toshikoshi Soba) with the belief that you can live longer same the soba noodle. Various locations have activities too such as amusement parks have various events to attend, such as the New Year with fireworks and concerts. So people have come together countdown. Celebration to welcome the New Year together. In cold weather with a warmth, mirth and laughter. In that day, the railway line is also available as special by increasing train and extending until the early hours as well.

So delicious

According to Shinto shrines or temples. It is crowded with people who had come to listen to the chimes, New Year's Eve. Also known as除夜の鐘: じょやのかね (Joyanokane) that the ancient Japanese tradition to hit the bell 108 times, which is considered to repel evil 108 that is inherent in every human. When you hit 108 times, It is considered that the passions of greed inherent in being paid out. Ready to welcome the New Year with a wholesome mind, literally.

Blessing at temples

And on into January 1, the first day of the year, called 元日: がんじつ (Kang Chi su), which is like the day of the beginning. And welcome new things into your life. People would flock to the temple to make merit. Buddha for luck And pray for blessings from God. Which is called 初 诣: はつもうで (Hatsumode), which will start as from January 1 to 3.

On the morning of New Year's Day. Also known as the 元旦: がんたん (kangtan) for the family to stay together. To the first meal of the new year together. Consisting of

おとそ (Otosho) or sake herbs drink to celebrate the new year. And was believed to ward off evil spirits and health as well.

お雑煮 : おぞうに  (Osoni) or mochi soup. a food made ​​specifically for the new year.

おせち 料理: おせち りょうり(O Se Ji Ryori). Another traditional New Year. Which is fed to keep up. Most are eaten for 3 days and includes a variety of fish such as grilled fish, shrimp, seaweed, black beans syrup.

Welcome to New Year

          I think, Japan is interesting place. It have many culture, a lot of travel and beautiful places. The New year festival in japan is just one example only. It have more festival in Japan such as Valentine day and Thank giving day, School Festival, Summer festival and etc.

          I am impressed that the Japanese people working on the festival. Because they must work as a team. Although it have a conflict but the festival was able to come out beautiful and admirable.

http://www.jeducation.com/THAI/sign/sign9/newyear2.htm