The most important and elaborate holiday in Japan is definitely the New Year or Oshogatsu. Close-family ties are quite vital among the Japanese so obviously, Oshogatsu is spent together with the family.

Oshogatsu is celebrated week long in Japan and numerous of traditions are observed during the days leading to the event. One of these traditions is the “osoji” which is the Japanese equivalent of our spring cleaning. It is believed that the end of the year is the best time to cleanse and purify one’s environment to allow for a fresh start for the coming new year. After the “osoji”, families start to cook the traditional New Year meals of soba noodles, O-sechi ryori and Ozoni. The rest of the days are spent visiting various shrines and temples.

For the start of year 2011, forget all your stress, worries and fears. Importantly, greet the new year with a stylish bang to welcome good luck!