Day Off for New Year's Day in Japan (元日, Ganjitsu)

History and Traditions: New Year's Day, known as 'Ganjitsu' in Japan, is one of the most important traditional holidays celebrated in the country. It has a rich history influenced by Chinese lunar calendar practices, though modern Japan now celebrates it on January 1st following the Gregorian calendar. The festival is rooted in Shinto beliefs and symbolizes the fresh start of the year.

Traditions for New Year's Day include:

• Hatsumode: The first shrine visit of the year where people pray for good fortune.
• Osechi-ryori: A special meal consisting of various dishes packed in Jubako boxes, each dish having a symbolic meaning for health, fertility, good harvest, happiness, longevity, and success.
• Otoshidama: The practice of giving money to children in small decorated envelopes called 'pochibukuro.'
• Kadomatsu and Shimenawa: Pine decorations placed at entrances to welcome ancestral spirits and bring good luck.

What People Do: On New Year's Day in Japan:

• Many spend time with family at home or make phone calls to wish relatives well.
• People enjoy watching traditional New Year programming on TV such as 'Kohaku Uta Gassen,' a popular music show that airs on New Year's Eve.
• Some participate in mochitsuki (rice cake pounding) events to make mochi (rice cakes), which are eaten as part of osechi or in ozoni (miso soup with mochi).
• Many write nengajo (New Year's greeting cards) which are delivered on January 1st.

The day off allows Japanese people to engage fully in these customs and share well-wishes for the coming year.