In Japan the real parties take place during December and January, with the 'end of year' parties (literally 'forgetting the year') and 'new year' parties. New Year's Eve itself isn't necessarily a big deal unless you are young and in a major, modern metropolis.
Kasi, my new and wonderful co-worker, pours a large measure of sake in the well-appointed home of Mineko-san. Mineko was bored since her husband was away so she laid on a big spread of food for an end-of-year party and invited a bunch of random people. Cosy.
The shrine we cycled to after midnight to observe the 'Hatsumode' New Year traditions.
Chihiro and friends.
After picking out a fortune, most people tie up anything other than the best fortunes on these strings or nearby trees. I got the smallest possible amount of good luck (but not bad), Chihiro and Kasi one step better, they all ended up on here. I like the fact that people can and do draw really bad fortunes, but have the option of avoiding such a fate by tying it up in the shrine.
Having a lion eat your head is part of the deal. No-one has told me why yet.
As we were leaving we saw this group getting their photo taken by a nearby policeman.
The 'stamp rally' held on the Tokyo underground network last year, complete with map, stamp book and 'mystery' stamps at some stations. Pokemon. On the Tube. Try picturing that in London?
I love this choice of brand name - how could anyone have not noticed it when it was launched? The choice of imagery complements it perfectly, and I saw a few one-storey high posters in Tokyo. The effing collection and basic effing are just my favourite picks. Most excellent.
The Hakodate 'tradition' of beginning the new year with a swim. Snow all around, a light snowfall, beautiful sunny conditions and only two people daft enough to do it in town at the time. Cold.
Kasi, my new and wonderful co-worker, pours a large measure of sake in the well-appointed home of Mineko-san. Mineko was bored since her husband was away so she laid on a big spread of food for an end-of-year party and invited a bunch of random people. Cosy.
The shrine we cycled to after midnight to observe the 'Hatsumode' New Year traditions.
Chihiro and friends.
After picking out a fortune, most people tie up anything other than the best fortunes on these strings or nearby trees. I got the smallest possible amount of good luck (but not bad), Chihiro and Kasi one step better, they all ended up on here. I like the fact that people can and do draw really bad fortunes, but have the option of avoiding such a fate by tying it up in the shrine.
Having a lion eat your head is part of the deal. No-one has told me why yet.
As we were leaving we saw this group getting their photo taken by a nearby policeman.
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