Tomorrow (January 28, 2017) Chinese New Year begins.   What about in Japan?  Well, we have already had our new year here in Japan.

Let me explain.

Years and years ago, Japan followed the old calendar and celebrated new year at the same time as many other Asian countries (January or February.)  However, in 1873, Japan began to use the same calendar as western countries.  So, at that time, the new year began to be celebrated on January first in Japan.

This is a new year’s decoration inside a Japanese house.  (My parents’-in-law home)

This is a new year’s decoration outside of a house.  (My sweet neighbor’s home)

Here is a sign for the new year at a local coffee shop.  There is a rooster on it because 2017 is the year of the rooster.

Here is another New Year decoration.  This is a shopping area.

I hope you are enjoying the new year!   May 2017 be a happy one for all of us!