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The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year is usually celebrated between late January and February, during the first new moon. This year, it will be on Wednesday, January 2025. But if you’re in Japan, you may be wondering, “Does Japan celebrate Chinese New Year?” Here’s what you should know. Does Japan Celebrate Chinese New Year? The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is normally celebrated around late January till sometime in the end of February. The celebration takes place from the first moon of the year and honors old traditions, customs and superstitions that date back to early Chinese legends. February 11 (Tue), 4.30pm: the Shukumai-yuko procession will begin at Yamashitacho Park, where a dazzling ensemble of lion dancers, rickshaws carrying people dressed as famous Chinese emperors In Japan, January 15 is known as 小正月 (Koshōgatsu), or “Little New Year.” Before Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar, Koshōgatsu always coincided with the first full moon of the new year, falling on the same day as the Chinese Lantern Festival. Historically, it was a day to pray for a bountiful harvest. The two largest minority groups in Japan are Chinese and Korean, so those communities continue to observe Lunar New Year following their own traditions. The three major Chinatowns (or chūkagai 中華街) in Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagasaki are where you’ll find most celebrations for Lunar New Year in Japan. Let’s explore why Japan doesn’t traditionally celebrate Chinese New Year and whether it’s a good time to spend your festive season in the Land of the Rising Sun. This CNY travel guide in Japan will help you make the most of your trip. Although Lunar New Year is not a holiday in Japan, it is celebrated in various ways. For example, there is the 15-day Chinese Spring Festival in Yokohama, where you can witness the Lion Dance, catch the Celebration Parade, and see thousands of lanterns on the final day of the festival. Despite Japan not celebrating the Lunar New Year as a whole country, there are exceptions. Primarily it is areas where there are Chinese immigrants. However, people who live on the Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa prefecture) also celebrate Lunar New Year. For 2024, Chinese New Year lands on February 10. The festivities across Tokyo will likely be held weeklong, so there is plenty of opportunity to get involved. Much like how Japanese kanji originated from China, many cultural beliefs, religious practices, myths, and celebrations have made their way to, and have been adapted by Japan. Various adorable auspicious dragons, giant panda dolls, and traditional handicrafts brimming with the flavor of the Lunar New Year displayed at special booths set up by the Chinese Tourism Office in Tokyo captivated visitors at the fair. The second New Year is on the first day of the Lunar New Year, in line with the rest of the world. These celebrations are on a smaller scale but also incorporate elements of indigenous and Chinese culture. Lastly, the third and final New Year’s celebration takes place on the 16th day of the Lunar New Year, or Jūrukunichi in Okinawan. However, in towns like Okinawa and on some southern islands in Japan, people put flags out and eat the traditional soba for New Year. How Japanese Celebrate The New Year. In the Japanese language, New Year’s Eve is best known as 大晦日 (Ōmisoka). 晦 (miso) was originally written as 三十 (meaning 30). Here is our annual guide to help you understand New Year customs in Japan. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. New Year’s Eve - Omisoka (大晦日) Omisoka is the Japanese expression for New Year’s Eve. Chinese zodiac years are represented by 12 animal signs and begin at Chinese New Year. Find Chinese zodiac year dates from 1948 to 2031. Japan, South Korea Chinese New Year follows the traditional lunar calendar, for instance, the first day of Chinese New Year this year falls on the 12th of February. What Japanese vs Chinese eat during the New Year Left: Osechi Ryori おせち料理 . The Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is more commonly referred to as the Spring Festival in China and celebrations take place over 15 days. What happens? There’s a variety of customs and celebrations throughout China and among the global Chinese diaspora, but each of the days has a special significance which you can read more about here . Any advice from those who’ve been in Japan during CNY or are familiar with the travelling habits of neighbouring countries during the Chinese New Year period would be much appreciated! I’m planning a trip to Japan in January 2025. Chinese New Year in 2025 is Wednesday 29th January. Unlike some Asian countries, where the Lunar New Year is among the largest celebrations, holidays in Japan focus on the Japanese New Year’s, which aligns with January 1st. Nevertheless, certain Lunar New Year customs persist in Japanese culture, especially in regions with significant immigrant populations or historical ties to the traditional The Japanese New Year (正月, Shōgatsu) is an annual festival that takes place in Japan.Since 1873, the official Japanese New Year has been celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar, on January 1 of each year, New Year's Day (元日, Ganjitsu). Yokohama Chukagai. Yokohama - the second largest city on the archipelago with 3.7 million - is also home to the largest Chinatown in Asia.After the reopening of Japanese ports, the number of Chinese immigrants swelled and formed Chukagai in 1859.
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