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Japanese New Year Traditions, Part 1: Preparing for the Year Ahead

December 17, 2025

This first part explores the days leading up to January 1, from year-end cleaning and final shopping to traditional decorations and how families spend New Year’s Eve together, including shared meals and the ringing of temple bells at midnight. Together, these customs show how Japanese households close the old year, creating a clear transition before welcoming the New Year.

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2026 Japanese National Holidays: A Journey Through Culture and Tradition

Discover the full 2026 Japanese National Holidays calendar with cultural insights. Perfect for travelers or anyone interning in Japan!

How Japanese Companies Wrap Up the Year: Evaluations, Greetings, and Holiday Operations

Japan’s year-end period brings a set of work practices that influence how companies plan December: evaluations, partner visits, nengajō exchanges, and operational shutdowns. This post outlines how these customs developed over time, how they affect workplace routines, and why many companies still rely on them to close out the year in an organized way.

Christmas in Japan: Origins, Trends, and Local Traditions

From historical beginnings centuries ago to today’s Christmas markets, cakes, and fried chicken, this post gives a look at how Christmas became a familiar part of winter in its own Japanese way, exploring the traditions that developed over time and the many ways people enjoy the season today!

Christmas and Year-End Culture in Japanese Workplaces

December in Japan brings its own workplace patterns, where year-end tasks, formal customs, and seasonal gatherings take priority over Christmas celebrations. This post breaks down what actually happens inside Japanese offices, how companies prepare for the New Year period, and how global organizations in Japan adapt holiday routines for international teams.

Tokyo in Lights: Must-See Winter Illuminations This Season!

Tokyo turns into a city of lights every winter, and 2025 once again brings a wide mix of themes, displays, and seasonal attractions. This post features some of the top illuminations across the city, perfect if you’re looking for places to enjoy holiday views, take photos, or explore winter evenings in Tokyo!

Workplace Diversity and Inclusion in Japan: Progress and Challenges

Japan’s workplaces are evolving as diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (DIA) gain more attention from both companies and the government. This post looks at the current situation, the barriers that still exist, and the progress being made through new laws, corporate initiatives, and changing attitudes toward equality and representation.

Blog about japan, internships, career and more

Japanese New Year Traditions, Part 1: Preparing for the Year Ahead

2026 Japanese National Holidays: A Journey Through Culture and Tradition

How Japanese Companies Wrap Up the Year: Evaluations, Greetings, and Holiday Operations

Christmas in Japan: Origins, Trends, and Local Traditions

Christmas and Year-End Culture in Japanese Workplaces

Tokyo in Lights: Must-See Winter Illuminations This Season!

Workplace Diversity and Inclusion in Japan: Progress and Challenges

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Blog about japan, internships, career and more

Japanese New Year Traditions, Part 1: Preparing for the Year Ahead

2026 Japanese National Holidays: A Journey Through Culture and Tradition

How Japanese Companies Wrap Up the Year: Evaluations, Greetings, and Holiday Operations

Christmas in Japan: Origins, Trends, and Local Traditions

Christmas and Year-End Culture in Japanese Workplaces

Tokyo in Lights: Must-See Winter Illuminations This Season!

Workplace Diversity and Inclusion in Japan: Progress and Challenges

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