January 2 Bank Holiday in Japan

January 2 is not an official national holiday in Japan, but it is part of the New Year (Shogatsu) holiday period, which typically runs from December 29 to January 3. During this time, many businesses and banks are closed to allow people to celebrate the New Year with their families.

History and Traditions:

• New Year's Celebration (Shogatsu): The New Year is one of the most important annual festivals in Japan and is a time for various customs and traditions.
• Osechi-Ryori: Traditional Japanese New Year foods are prepared before the holidays begin, as cooking during the first three days of the New Year is considered unlucky.
• Hatsumode: The first shrine visit of the year, often made during the first few days of January, to pray for good fortune and health in the coming year.

Activities on January 2:

• Family Time: Many people spend time with family members. It's common for relatives to gather for extended periods over meals and festivities.
• New Year's Greetings: Exchanging nengajo (New Year’s greeting cards) with friends and family.
• Rest and Relaxation: As a continuation from New Year's Day, some people enjoy a day off to rest or engage in leisure activities.

While January 2 itself may not hold any specific events distinct from the overall New Year celebrations, it serves as an extension of the holiday period before many people return to work on or after January 4.