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

History and Traditions: New Year's Day in Japan, known as "Ganjitsu," is celebrated on January 1st and is considered one of the most important holidays of the year. The day marks the beginning of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar. However, before Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1873 during the Meiji Restoration, New Year was celebrated according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

Traditions include:

• Hatsumode: The first shrine visit of the year where people pray for good fortune.
• Osechi-ryori: Special traditional foods prepared before New Year's Eve meant to last several days.
• Otoshidama: Monetary gifts given to children by their relatives.
• Nengajo: New Year greeting cards sent to friends and family.
• Kakizome: The first calligraphy written at the beginning of the year.

What People Do: On New Year's Day, many people in Japan spend time with their families. Activities may include:

• Eating "ozoni," a mochi soup which varies by region.
• Watching "Kohaku Uta Gassen," a popular music show featuring famous artists that airs on New Year's Eve but continues into the early hours of Ganjitsu.
• Playing traditional games like "hanetsuki" (similar to badminton), "koma" (spinning tops), or "fukuwarai" (a game similar to pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey).
• Exchanging nengajo or participating in "nenga" exchanges where people visit each other’s homes to give well wishes for the new year.

Overall, New Year's Day in Japan is a mix of solemn traditions and joyful family gatherings, reflecting both Shinto beliefs and modern celebratory practices.