In Japan, New Year's Day (known as Shōgatsu) is considered the most important holiday of the year. The holiday season officially starts from December 29th and lasts until January 3rd. It is a period of celebration, reflection, and tradition passed down through generations. Unlike in many western countries, where the advent of a new calendar year is often celebrated with fireworks and parties, New Year's Day in Japan is typically a quiet and introspective holiday, centered around tradition, family, and the welcoming of the New Year.
Leading up to New Year's Day, Japanese people partake in several traditions such as cleaning their homes thoroughly in a ritual known as 'Osoji', intended to cleanse their space of the past year’s impurities. They also send New Year's cards called 'Nengajō' to friends and family. The holiday is usually marked with a special meal, known as 'Osechi Ryori', a variety of delicacies that are carefully prepared and beautifully arranged in special lacquer boxes to be shared among family.
On New Year's Day itself, many Japanese people visit shrines or temples for the year’s first prayer (Hatsumōde). They also enjoy the first sunrise of the year, known as 'Hatsuhinode'. Children receive gifts of money, referred to as 'Otoshidama' from their parents and relatives. Traditional games including kite flying, badminton, and board games are also features of the day. Despite the underlying seriousness of the holiday, it is a day of celebration and joyful anticipation of the year to come.