Happy New Year! Or as the Japanese would say:
新年明けましておめでとうごいざいます。今年も宜しくお願いします。Shinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu. Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
There are at least five important things related to the Japanese New Year:
1.
Oosouji. Cleaning the house thoroughly before the yearend.
2.
Osechi-ryouri. A special set of dishes prepared for
oshougatsu (New Year).
3.
Kouhaku Utagassen. A popular TV show where guys and gals compete against each other at singing.
4.
Hatsumoude. Your first visit of the year to a shrine.
5.
Otoshidama. A monetary gift for children.
In the west, we're more accustomed to seeing fireworks and making New Year's resolutions. Have you already made your New Year's resolution for 2010? I've written a
New Year's resolution guide for you if you're interested in successfully fulfilling your objectives this year. Good luck!