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We’d like to introduce some of sake “Omiki” and “Otoso” for New Year in Japan. Omiki is sake that is offered to gods in Shinto. Japanese drink omiki at some Shinto ceremonies. They believe that omiki has the power of gods and gives them benefits. They also drink omiki to pray for the New Year and wish for safety and happiness of the year. They go to a shrine to pray for New Year’s safety and happiness. The first shrine visit of the year is called Hatsumode. Some people drink omiki during Hatsumode. Otoso is spiced medicinal sake traditionally drunk during...

How do you spend New Year's Eve?

You see many fireworks in the Netherlands every year.

In Japan, temples ring their bells at midnight on New Year's Eve. The bell is called “Joya no kane”

21th Dec 2021 is the winter solstice and the shortest daytime day. Therefore the daytime will gradually get longer from the following day.

It’s said that fortune rises at the same time as the daytime gets longer in Japan and eating foods which have ...

Christmas is also celebrated in Japan.

It is said that missionaries introduced Christmas to Japan in the 16th century. However, the government was not happy with what missionaries did and implemented a national isolation to prevent Christianity from spreading in Japan. Celebrating Christmas was also ...