2 Things I Learned about New Year's in Rural Japan

1. New Year's is a family holiday

While we in the States tend to see the new year in with a party with friends, here in Japan they have a big family get-together. Nobody really goes out, and thus even grocery stores close down for the days surrounding the holiday. :(

2. The important day is not December 31--it's January 1.

In America, celebrations tend to end early in the morning on January 1. That's not so here--the important day of the holiday is January 1. There are a lot of special celebrations that in the new year on a high note. Of these traditions, two come to mind right away, Osechi and Hatsumode. 

Osechi is the traditional food that Japanese people eat on New Year's. Each food has a traditional meaning that generally helps bring luck. I have never actually had the pleasure of eating it, but from what I hear, it's the traditional meanings that are important, not the taste. Which I think is a polite way of saying it doesn't taste that good. 

Hatsumode, on the other hand, is the first visit to a shrine of the year. Families make the trek to their local shrine, or to a particularly auspicious one, and say prayers.

3. The TV Shows

Every year, the same specials show on New Year's Eve.

The first, most long-standing program is Kouhaku Uta Gassen. It's a program that showcases popular artists and songs. Singers are invited to perform, and are separated into two teams, red and white. Based on the performances, one team will win.

Watching this show takes some dedication, as it's about 5 hours long. Here's a sample, that unfortunately features the bane of a teacher's existence, the band AKB48.

Yes, there really are that many members. Figures that only their fans would have a video up by now! Also, the video is mirrored so that the poster can't be accused of copyright infringement. Somehow, mirroring it makes it a different thing entirely. 

There is one more music special, and that is the Johnny's Countdown. Johnny's is a boyband factory that produces mediocre acts year after year...and they all manage to get pretty popular. Some are better than others. 

This countdown is the only one that actually has a countdown to the New Year, so for the minutes around 12, this is what I watched so I would make sure I didn't miss the change! 

Here's a sample. You might need sunglasses--the sparkles and sequins are blinding.

The last is Gaki no Tsukai Ya Arahen De, a hilarious show featuring a few comedians. These comedians are put through crazy experiences designed to make them laugh. If they do laugh, though, they get spanked by masked enforcers.

Only Japan could think this up. e

The danger of this show is that it runs well past midnight, so if you're watching too intently, you'll miss out on the countdown.

Happy New Year, wherever you are!

明けましておめでとうございます！今年もよろしくおねがいします。