I worked till 31 December 2019 on New Year’s Eve.
It was so quiet in Ginza.
I could be only one working in my office building.
Even Japanese government office close from 28 December – 3 January to celebrate New Year.
My boss called and allowed me to leave earlier; I left happily at 2:45 pm.
I was feeling sentimental looking at last sunset of 2019.
I went to pick up my niece.
The road was clear so there was no traffic.
I wanted to surprise her so I decorated her room with balloons while she was taking a bath.
I succeeded it!
She was so excited!
I also took a bath to welcome new year freshly.
We ate soba (buckwheat noodle) for tradition, wishing for a long life like soba.
It turned midnight…we greeted Akemashite omedetogozaimasu and A Happy New Year then popped a party cracker!
We all got excited for a while and went to bed at 1:30 am.
I woke up lazily on Gantan (New Year Day).
Most of shops and restaurants closed today.
We ate Osechi (New Year Dishes) for brunch.
Each dish has a meaning.
For example, Kurikintoki which is made by sweet potato and its colour in gold means wishing to have gold (richness), etc, etc.
And Ozoni (chicken, vegetables and mochi/rice cake in soup)
After brunch, we paid a visit to our family shrine, Tenso Jinja (Tenso Shrine) for New Year prayer.
I wrote my wish on Ema (Wish Designed Board) and I used this picture for my New Year Greeting eCard.
We had a break after returned from the shrine.
Niece and I made Monaka.
We fill Anko (sweet bean paste) on monakanokawa (monaka shell/wafer).
We can adjust the amount of anko.
There are ume (plum) and fukuro (owl) shapes.
Based on astronomy, I believe nothing much of difference from yesterday’s; however, it is the first sunset on New Year’s Day.
I look forward for more adventures in 2020!
Akemashiteomedetogozaimasu!
sonokotchi 