The three-day New Year holiday is a very special time in Japan, a time of solemn prayers and joyous greetings. 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.

For the most part the stores are closed; this is a time for family and renewal. [When else could you walk in the middle of the road at noon on Sannomiya street?]

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