Soba , or buckwheat noodles, are eaten to usher in the new year and to pray for longevity. During New Year, many people visit Shinto shrines to pray for happiness.
Children receive a special allowance called otoshidama from parents, relatives, and other adults.
New Year's cards are exchanged with friends and acquaintances living far away. In early February, Setsubun is celebrated to mark the passage of winter. This is intended to guard against accidents, although many children have fun making demon's masks that can be donned during the bean throwing. Photo courtesy of Nagano Prefectural Government.