It’s time to say goodbye to another year and welcome in a new one. 2022 is almost here and with it the chance to celebrate a new beginning — another journey around the sun to make fresh starts.

Last year saw a muted new year celebration in Japan and across the world. It was right in the middle of the battle against COVID-19, with vaccination programs still in their early stages. Even the emperor’s annual new year greeting was canceled last year due to the pandemic, instead appearing via video message.

This year, things are a little different. Japan’s vaccine rates rank among the top three of all Group of Seven countries, and COVID-19 numbers appear to be relatively under control. The emperor and members of the imperial family are once again scheduled to appear on a balcony protected by glass for his greeting. The rise of the omicron variant might have cast gloom on some plans, but there is much to look forward to in the new year; there’s lots to celebrate and much to contemplate.