The Japan TimesDec 31
For many athletes in Japan, the sporting year starts long before the first whistle and much as it does for everyone else — with hatsumōde, the custom of visiting a shrine or temple to offer the year’s first prayers. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/01/01/athletes-new-year-rituals/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #sports #religion #shinto #buddhism #newyear039s #shrines #temples #hatsumode
Gods and games: Rituals that kick off Japan’s sporting year

From hatsumōde to victory charms, many athletes have rituals that are rooted in the spiritual side of Japanese sport.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesDec 26, 2023
Think you’re ready for your first New Year’s holidays at your Japanese partner’s home? The Japan Times has you covered with some last-minute tips. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2023/12/26/lifestyle/new-year-oshogatsu-guide/?utm_content=buffer7a275&utm_medium=social&utm_source=mastodon&utm_campaign=bffmstdn #life #lifestyle #newyear039s #oshogatsu #culture
A survival guide for your first Japanese-style at-home New Year’s

Meeting your partner’s Japanese family for the New Year’s holidays? Here are some do’s and don’ts for an ‘oshōgatsu’ success story.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesDec 9, 2023
New Year's Eve is a big deal in Japan — just not in the same way as it is in other countries. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2023/12/09/lifestyle/new-years-eve-party-tokyo/?utm_content=bufferdcaa2&utm_medium=social&utm_source=mastodon&utm_campaign=bffmstdn #life #lifestyle #tokyo #newyear039s #events #clubs
A Tokyoite’s guide to a Western-style New Year’s Eve

Typically, Ōmisoka (New Year’s Eve) is a family affair — even in the global metropolis that is Tokyo.

The Japan Times