While New Year's Day is a holiday in many parts of the world, the occastion has a unique significance to the Japanese, who take the opportunity to begin anew many aspects of their lives.
New Year is regarded in Japan as an auspicious occasion.
As such, it is filled with traditional activities which, it is hoped, will result in a more successful year. As the end of the year approaches, therefore, businessmen busily wind up their affairs of the old year. They try to pay all their obligations by New Year's Eve. Even non-businessmen try to clear the slate by the end of the year. Houses Specially Cleaned Homemakers all over the nation work extra hard preparing for the holiday.