The dawn of the 21st century will be little cause for celebration for some 3,800 evacuees from Miyake Island.
They are destined to see in the new year far away from their homes after being forced to leave the island in September because of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
Around 1,400 residents from the hot spring resort town of Abuta in southwestern Hokkaido are in a similar situation, having been forced into temporary housing after Mount Usu awoke from a 22-year slumber on March 31.