There are two main observances in Japan. Obon and New Year's. Most observers agree that the New Year celebrations are the most elaborate and most important.

New Year preparations traditionally begin in mid-December. The observance is similar to our Christmas season, rather than a single day of celebration. While the coming of the new year is a reason for hope and happiness, it is the end of the current year that grabs the attention of the Japanese for the majority of the season. Business usually close for three business days.

The end of the year signals the time to tidy up your life and and tie up any loose ends which could ruin the high hopes for the new year. People also prepare to properly welcome the Toshigami (god of the coming year). Houses get a thorough cleaning and only then can the traditional decorations be put in place. This cleaning is not so much so that guests don't see a dirty house as it is an effort to end the year with a clean slate.

This also applies to their financial affairs. The tradition is to carry no outstanding debts over into the new year. Of course, with things like car payments and mortgages these days, most folks don't end the year debt-free but the spirit of the custom remains and debts among individuals are satisfied whenever possible.

Many Japanese will decorate their homes with a Shimenawa (folded straw rope with prayer papers hanging from it). You will even see these hanging from the front grills of automobiles. This also welcomes the Toshigami and wards off any evil spirits who might try to sneak in. Many businesses and institutions will feature an arrangement of tree branches or bamboo called the Kadomatsu on either side of their entrance. Other customs include a Toshidama or small altar piled with special rice cakes, sake and persimmons or tangerines.

Preparations are concluded by early New Year's Eve. The tradtitonal place to be in the evening and at midnight is at the local Buddhist Temple or Shinto Shrine. These days, however, many families gather in the home, and maybe even watch some of the special programs on television. The passing of midnight and welcoming of the new year is a quiet and reverent time. People pray for good fortune in the new year.

New Year's Day is a time for family and close friends. The first of the year (ganjitsu) will see crowds at the temples and shrines early in the day. Later on, the focus is on the home and togetherness. Now-a-days there are many special TV programs on New Year's Day. Some are easy to follow even if you don't speak the language and they are quite entertaining.

There are many traditional foods but probably the most significant is Toshikoshi Soba (year-crossing noodles). These are often eaten on New Year's Eve but are also common during New Year's Day. These special noodles express the hope for extended family fortunes. A sweet rice cake called O-Mochi is also a traditional food.

The Imperial Family opens the Palace around dawn on January 1 and the Emperor performs a ritual where he pays reverence in the directions of various shrines and imperial tombs and offers prayers for the well-being of the nation. January 2nd is one of only two days that the inner palace grounds are open to the public. (The other is the Emperor's birthday).

The Japanese also exchange cards during the New Year Season. They are Post Cards and usually have a figure of the animal that reprents the upcoming year imprinted on them. Others may have a picture of the family or their child(ren). It is important that these cards be delivered on time. In many areas, the post office will hold them until New Year's Eve or New Year's Day and deliver them then. Gifts are given to the children in the form of money (O Toshidama) slipped inside a decorative envelope.

2008 is the year 20 in the Japanese method of counting because it is the 20th year of the current Emperor's reign. This date is used on all official documents. In the tradtional rotation of animals representing years, this is the Year of the Mouse. This is a 12 year cycle. People born during a particular year are thought to bear traits of that animal. It is similar to our Zodiac symbols.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. The appropriate greeting for the New Year is -- Akemashita Omedeto Gozaimus -- (Ah-kay-ma-shtay Oh-may-de-toe Go-za-ee-mas)