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July 04, 2025
 

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NEW YEAR

Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Dec 24, 2015
Meiji Shrine: grounds to ring in the year
As a relatively new place of worship, established less than a century ago in 1920, Meiji Shrine was originally based around the concept of wakonyu014dsai — a belief that treasured the Japanese 'soul,' while still embracing influences from the West. Its unusual omikuji, therefore, is not the only unique feature of the shrine.
LIFE / Lifestyle
Dec 24, 2015
Getting the year's first prayer in
Whether we are Buddhists, followers of Shintoism or atheists, the first thing many Japanese do on ganjitsu (New Year's Day) is go to their local shrine or temple for hatsumōde, a symbolic first visit of the year. If it's not done on Jan. 1, it will likely happen shortly after.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 6, 2015
Staying up all night to get lucky (bags)
New Year's in Japan means fukubukuro (literally, 'lucky bags'). In a tradition kickstarted by the Matsuya Department Store almost 100 years ago, retail outlets offer mystery grab bags to the shoppers who are willing to buy blindly in hopes of scoring a bargain.
Japan Times
MULTIMEDIA
Jan 2, 2015
Scenes from New Year's in Japan 2015
Here are snapshots of New Year's Day in Japan from temples, skyscrapers and Disneyland.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jan 2, 2015
NYC rang in new year with heightened security in Times Square
Roughly 1 million revelers packed New York's Times Square and rang in the new year with the city's annual crystal ball drop under unusually tight security for the nation's biggest New Year's Eve celebrations.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 2, 2015
Shanghai cancels New Year's celebrations after deadly crush; money scramble alleged
Shanghai called off New Year's events and the central government demanded a review of crowd-safety procedures after 36 people were killed and dozens injured in a deadly crush on Shanghai's historic Bund on Wednesday night.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / NAGOYA RESTAURANTS
Dec 30, 2014
Head to a temple for a New Year's meal
Although there are countless places to visit on New Year's Eve, one of the liveliest is Osu Kannon, a temple that is busy most days of the year and packed to the brim during the holidays.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / NAGOYA RESTAURANTS
Dec 30, 2014
Take part in tradition at Futaba
While many osechi ryōri (traditional New Year's dishes) are not exactly adored by a lot of people, there is one simple meal that seems universally loved: toshikoshi soba.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Dec 26, 2014
Digital tack taken to revive interest in New Year's cards
The tradition of sending "nengajo," or New Year's postcards, has been in decline as people turn to the Internet, social networking and digital gadgets like smartphones instead of putting pen to paper.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Dec 18, 2014
Navigating Japan with a family at New Year's
Let's be honest. We're adults. New Year's in Japan can be a bit hectic. And then static. It's one of the longest, if not the longest, holiday periods in the year.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Dec 16, 2014
Ring in the new year with refinement
The quintessential washoku, or traditional Japanese cuisine dish, is nimono — vegetables and other ingredients simmered in a broth of dashi stock, sake, mirin, sugar and soy sauce or miso. Nimono can be made in advance and served warm or cold, saving the cook some effort.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 19, 2014
Tokyo department stores to target foreign tourists with lucky bags this New Year
Are you feeling lucky?
LIFE / Style & Design / Japan Pulse
Jan 8, 2014
Feelin' lucky? The highs and lows of 'fukubukuro'
Some people got lucky 'fukubukuro' this New Year's and some got. . . well, something! We take a look at Twitter users' 'lucky bag' adventures.
CULTURE
Jan 1, 2014
Lucky food, charming decorations and visiting deities: welcoming the new year with history and tradition
Wearing kimono, getting together with family and friends, and not working for the first three days of a new year. Shogatsu, or New Year's, is when Japanese generally work less than the rest of the world.
Japan Times
Events / Events In Tokyo
Jan 1, 2014
Blending old and new for New Year's
Thanks to the calendar this year, many people can have a long holiday, so many will be heading out of Tokyo on vacation. But if you're staying in the capital, there will be enough events at the beginning of the year to get you out of the house, and to help you taste the traditional and unique aspects...
COMMENTARY / World / NEW YEAR SPECIAL
Jan 1, 2014
History overshadows present and future Japan-China relations
Can Japan and China find a way to reduce the risk of conflict, and prevent continuing hostilities that could last decades? Can they peacefully coexist in the new era when they are both great powers?
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 1, 2014
Best wishes and prayers for the new year
Thousands make the annual 'hatsumode' trip to shrines and temples nationwide to give offerings and pray for good fortune in the new year.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Nov 24, 2013
Do New Year's the right way this time
With the yearend rush fast approaching, Dave has a very timely question about Japanese New Year cards:
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Jan 8, 2013
Tokyo: What will you remember most about 2012?
I attended my coming of age ceremony, which was a big event for me, even though I actually turned 20 the year before. I wore a kimono, and after the ceremony near where I live I went to Senso-ji in Asakusa, met up with all my classmates from school and did what everyone does — got drunk.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Jan 1, 2013
Osaka: What are your hopes for yourself, Japan and the world in 2013?
I argue with my husband a lot, so I hope that diminishes next year! And I hope everyone stays healthy, especially my four grandkids and new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, since he previously quit for health reasons. I worry about Japan's conflicts with our neighbors, and hope that the country can use its brainpower and high-tech knowhow to figure out ways to solve the various island disputes. Can't we all just get along nicely?
Magnitude 5.5 earthquake jars Tokara Islands amid flurry of seismic activity
A strong quake struck off the Tokara Islands on Thursday afternoon, with the island chain having recorded around 1,000 earthquakes since a burst of seismic activity first began on June 21.
Onosato's yokozuna promotion causes rare quirk in new sumo rankings
Newly promoted yokozuna Onosato holds a copy of the latest banzuke ranking in Anjo, Aichi Prefecture, on Monday.
A prophesied disaster (likely) won’t strike Japan this weekend
A viral manga prediction of a July 5 disaster has gripped Japan with anxiety and triggered an economic impact, but experts warn that while such dates are unreliable, the threat of a massive earthquake remains real. 
Over 900 earthquakes strike Tokara islands in space of two weeks
A screenshot shows many quakes occurring in the Tokara islands over the past 30 days, in this image taken from the U.S. Geological Survey website.
Ghibli’s Isao Takahata exhibit shows how beloved anime is made
“The man who planted Japanese animation” exhibition includes a variety of sketches, drawings and animation cels from Isao Takahata films such as color design for characters by Michiyo Yasuda from "Grave of the Fireflies."
Ghibli’s Isao Takahata exhibit shows how beloved anime is made
“The man who planted Japanese animation” exhibition includes a variety of sketches, drawings and animation cels from Isao Takahata films such as color design for characters by Michiyo Yasuda from "Grave of the Fireflies."
Flag football facing challenges and opportunities ahead
Japan’s women’s flag football team at the 2025 International Bowl in Los Angeles in June. The sport is enjoying continued growth in the country.
From Hokusai’s Great Wave, shinkansen to One Piece: a cultural treasure box for Lego Japan
Michael Ebbesen, general manager of Lego Japan, says Lego bricks based on Japanese culture have a rich global appeal and are sellable around the world.
With farmed fish, RelationFish swims against the tide in fine dining
Chef Hideaki Matsuo (middle) and the staff of Oseto Suisan Fisheries prepare to check on their sustainably farmed fish.
As Southeast Asia heats up, a Japanese cooling giant sees a major opportunity
An employee of Daikin Cambodia explains the use of different tools during an air conditioner installation training session in Phnom Penh. Daikin is one of Japan’s oldest air conditioning companies, but as Japan’s population falls, the firm is keying in on overseas growth.

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