About the Japanese new year (shogatsu).

FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS JAPAN'S THREE-DAY NEW YEAR HOLIDAY Celebration marked by rituals and greetings The three-day New Year holiday is a very special time in Japan, a time of solemn prayers and joyous greetings. While New Year's Day is a holiday in many parts of the world, the occastion has a unique significance to the Japanese, who take the opportunity to begin anew many aspects of their lives.