冬の風物詩（fuyu no fuubutsushi) 3 Special Attractions of Winter

大晦日（おおみそか、oomisoka)


The last day of the year, Dec. 31st is called “Omisoka.” To welcome the new year with good feelings, a general house-cleaning is completed, and New Year dishes (Osechi-ryori) are cooked.

At about midnight, the bells speeding the old year (Joya no Kane) begin to be rung at temples all around the country. While listening to the sound of the bells, people eat year-crossing noodles (Toshikoshi-soba), wishing for health in the coming year and long life.

冬の風物詩（fuyu no fuubutsushi) 2 Special Attractions of Winter

忘年会（ぼうねんかい、boonenkai)


Bonenkai literally means “Forget-the-Year Party.” It is a year-end party to forget the unpleasant memories of the passing year and to welcome the new year with a fresh mind.

It is usually held among office colleagues or friends. In addition, just after the new year, a party called the New Year Party takes place.