冬の風物詩（fuyu no fuubutsushi) 4 Special Attractions of Winter

節分（せつぶん、Setsubun)


Setsubun is the day before the first day of spring according to the lunar calendar, usually February 2 or 3. Bean throwing ceremonies are held in homes, shrines, and temples in the belief that this will bring in good fortune and drive away evil spirits.

日本の祝日 (nihon no shuku jitsu) 3 --- National Holidays of Japan

成人の日（せいじんの, Seijin no hi）　Coming-of-Age Day


Seijin-no-hi, or Coming-of-Age Day, is celebrated on the second Monday of January.

This day is dedicated to the nation's young people who have reached the legal age of twenty which is and important juncture when one is granted full rights as a citizen, beginning with the right to vote. Drinking and smoking are also permitted from this age.

日本の祝日 (nihon no shuku jitsu) 2--- National Holidays of Japan

正月（しょうがつ、Ｓｈｏｇａｔｓｕ）　New Year


Shogatsu is generally celebrated for the first three days or the first week of January and is the most important period for the Japanese, comparable to Christmas in Western countries. School and businesses close for one to two weeks after about Dec. 29, and many people who live away from their families return home to spend this time with their families. On New Year's Day, people go for the first temple or shrine visit of the New Year and pray for health and happiness in the new year.