There wasn't much to raise spirits in the Tokyo area during the new year holiday. With record-breaking daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases and reports that a second state of emergency was likely to be implemented, many people were keen to stay indoors.
Some, however, were brave enough to head to nearby open spaces in order to fly kites, a traditional pastime at the beginning and end of each year. Popular spots such as Komazawa Park, the Edogawa river banks and Odaiba beachfront were dotted with kite fliers, and social media was full of positive posts by people enjoying their new-found hobby.
Flying kites used to be the gold standard at New Year's. It's even part of a popular children's song from 1901 that has endured to this day, which features the lyrics, "How many nights until the new year? / When the new year comes I'll fly my kite."