Photographs from a small group of islands
Like many Japanese, I will probably celebrate the beginning of the new year by visiting a shrine as, if nothing else, it certainly beats shopping.
However, such cynicism aside, the tranquility of such a place is admittedly perfect for reflecting on the year gone by and, at the same time, quietly considering what 2008 may bring.
Happy New Year!
Whereas Japan’s work-related end of year parties practically demand that participants overindulge, New Year’s Eve itself is, for many, a fairly sedate affair. Sitting in front of the TV to watch a singing contest and slurping on some soba being standard fare for many.
Yet for the salary man intent on not sobering up and soldiering on regardless, there are plenty of goodies to keep the fun as well as the firewater flowing, including this particular product that should help him party like he’s 19 minus 99 months.
Bottoms up,
indeed.
With a slew of food-related scandals throughout Japan, and the nation’s pension problems persisting, the kanji officially considered most apt for this year is that depicting ‘fake’. The newly chosen symbol, as tradition demands, carefully composed by a Buddhist monk.
A profession that rather ironically is also frequently faked for money making purposes, with ‘beggars’ near stations and outside department stores often derided as dodgy.
But that said, what percentage are impostors is probably impossible to say, as without close-quartered consideration, who can confidently conclude whether these fellas are cosplay crooks,
or cloistered converts?
I certainly can’t.
Now that the festive fun is over for another year, those eager to relive the excitement of opening a surprise gift need look no further than the cloyingly cute Sonny Angel.
Its randomly wrapped nature meaning that it’ll be like Christmas all over again, with the anticipation of an unidentified gift leading to either delight,
or downright disappointment.
After the gut-busting gluttony of the festive period, what better way to cure any quaffing-related queasiness or gastronomic gases than by swilling down a bottle or two of this curry flavoured lemonade-like Ramune (ラムãƒ)?
Gut gurgling grimaces guaranteed.
