X-mas and the New Year Holiday (o-shogatsu) have become a major joint celebration in Japan, with western influences - such as carols in the supermarket - and shrine and temple visits: Added to that a lovely romantic twist, as young couples enjoy a chance to have a nice dinner and maybe more (much more) together. Sparkling wines and rice cakes? You bet. Anything goes. ‘Tis the season to be jolly.

For the New Years Holiday, you’ll find a lot of fun decorations, such as the one above. A mixture of styles that show a lot of originality! In Tokyo, people like to throw in a few wild cards too, but a Wacky Wobbler…?

Micky and Minnie wearing kimonos? Sure! Why not!

While some of my neighbours go for western-style decorations, I have opted for a o-shogatsu kazari (New Years Decoration) on my door.

Happy holidays!

God Jul & Gott Nytt År