In particular the eve, is celebrated widely across the world. And understandably, certain customs, cultures or religions vary its style of celebration. However no matter how you do it, we all seem to be in tuned with one thing. And that is the welcoming of the New Year. In J-land, you can celebrate the countdown like in the West, in bars or clubs or major attractions such as Disneyland, Universal Studios or even malls. Just be prepared to fork out at least JPY 10,000 more or less. It doesn’t come cheap like anywhere else. But your evening guarantees you fun and excitement with fireworks, balloons (popping and flying) or illuminations around the venue. Wherever you are, you’ll sure to have one hell of an extravaganza.
But traditionally, the day is a kind of prep day to welcome a New Year's god called toshigami. So people would clean their home in fact way before the eve and put kadomatsu typically made of pine or bamboo depending where you are in J-land and shimenawa, braided rice straw rope to welcome the god. But nowadays, you would only see these on certain business establishments and shrines.
Like me and the most would probably stay indoors because it’s warm. And snuggle up and watch telly. There are lots of programmes on from K1 to Doraemon. But most would probably watch Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White End of Year Song Festival – I know, it’s quite a mouthful). It’s an extremely popular TV show only on New Year's Eve. I mean it, everyone knows it no matter how old or young they are. Basically, it involves singing between male and female teams of celebrity singers. And this year, Susan Boyle an X-factor finalist is going to make a special appearance. No one ever knows who won in previous years. I guess J-peeps just like being entertained.
At the stroke of midnight, you’re certain to hear the bells of your local Buddhist temple nearby. It would be ringing it for about 108 times, again more or less (I’ve never counted it). Apparently, it’s a magical number for repentance.
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