New year’s day in Japan As we ‘re all about to party to
celebrate the new year, we tell you how the Japanese celebrate
the new year!! The new year, Oshogatsu or Ganjitsu, is one of
the most important holiday in Japan and celebrations last for a
few days. Since the Meiji era, it is celebrated on January 1st,
like in Europe. Before 1873, new year’s day was still celebrated
in early spring. Preparations start before December 31st with
cleaning the house (Ôsôji) for purification, dealing with
routine business as well as debts, to start off the year in a
good way. As for decoration, a Shimenawa, a lucky charm made of
straw, is hanged on the door. The meals (Osechi) are also
prepared for new year’s day and the following days. Indeed, the
Japanese don’t work during the first days of the year, including
cooking. © All rights reserved Ômisoka, new year’s eve, is a
very important day in Japan. On this evening, it’s the tradition
not to have a feast but to eat only a Soba soup as a symbol of
long life. Traditionally, be