Step Two: Write your message Once you’ve made your nengajo, it’s best to include a message (there’s nothing more mysterious or creepy than an empty greeting card), and Japanese has many stock phrases ...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2021 is almost upon us and ... people may be seen walking the streets with an empty suitcase around the New Year. Japanese traditions call for bells to be rung 108 times, while ...

When it comes to mass celebrations like a new year, Japanese people have their own way of expressing their happiness. To welcome the new year and to give their well wishes to others for the ...

The Japanese express their hopes for the new year with kakizome, the ritualized first calligraphy writing of the year. Kakizome or "first writing," takes place within the first few days of the year.