Hmm, I see…

What're you writing down there, Emma-chi?

Are you researching something?

Yes, I'm looking up information about the Japanese New Year. I was wondering how I might spend the holiday here in Japan.

Ah, right! That makes sense.

Hey, let me see too!

Go ahead! Right now I'm looking up what kinds of games people play for New Year, and it's all really fascinating. Apparently, even the games themselves have significance.

Take flying kites. Looking up to the sky is good for your health, so by imbuing your kite with that wish and sending it soaring upwards, your wish might reach the gods.

Spinning tops are said to represent the flow of finances… And it's meant to bring good luck if you can make a smile in the blindfolded face-arranging game.

Wow, I had no idea! I always assumed they were just New Year's classics, but there's a lot of meaning behind them.

Now that I think about it, all of these traditional games are very well thought out.

I've heard that those matching card games we play were thought up as a way to help children learn Japanese characters and proverbs in a fun way.

Makes sense. I learned a whole bunch of proverbs thanks to those games.

Me too. I still remember the illustrations they used for things like “the early bird catches the worm.”

So, all of you have played these kinds of games at New Year?

Yes, they're an expected part of the holiday.

Then… Are there other things that you're expected to do besides play those games?

There sure are! When you talk about New Year's must-haves, you think of decorations like pine sprigs and round mochi stacks, yeah? We put pine up on our porch every year.

Oh, I came across that when researching earlier! They're sacred decorations. And it said that you can split up the mochi stack and eat it when you're done displaying it.

Yes. We cut up the mochi on January 11th. At my house, we make it into things like sweet red bean soup or add vegetables to make mochi soup.

We put it into monjayaki and stuff at my place!

Wow! I see. So, even the set New Year's staples vary in how each family does them.

And there are lots of ways to enjoy the New Year, aren't there? There are people who take things easy at home and those who head out to travel.

I wonder how I should spend my New Year.

Why don't you come join the New Year's party at my house?

You're throwing a party?

Yep! We all get together at the start of the year to eat tasty food and have a rockin' good time!

Whoa! That sounds amazing!

It does! Can I come too?

Then it's a date! We're all gonna start off the New Year together with an awesome party!

Yeah!