Top 3 Worst Ways to Celebrate New Year’s (Notes from Under the Tatami Mats–11 … My Adventures in Japan)

“Virtually snowbound and housebound, in a remote, nondescript town in the far north, with nothing to do but watch a boring marathon on TV.”

During my first few years in Japan, I still wanted to celebrate the New Year with a typical Canadian countdown party. That just seemed like the normal way to celebrate it. 

So, being stuck in snowy northern Hokkaido – virtually housebound, in a remote, nondescript town, with nothing to do but watch marathon runners running a long, dull, boring marathon on TV – was not exactly my cup of tea.    _{(Image source)}

Remember Stage 3 … It’s not so bad after all. And Happy New Year!

But, to be honest, I eventually came to like spending the New Year’s holiday in Japan. 

At the end of December, most city-dwelling Japanese go to their hometowns for 2–3 days, leaving the cities almost deserted and completely quiet and peaceful. Therefore, spending the holidays in an eerily quiet city turned out to be quite pleasant and very relaxing.    _{(Image source)}

   Introduction to – “Notes from Under the Tatami Mats”  _{(right-click on title)}

Top 3 Fields in Which the Japanese Have Achieved Perfection

Top 3 Fields in Which There is Definitely Room for Improvement

Top 4 Persistent Illusions about the 25-Year-Long Recession

... and more

Links to my Other Series …

      Introduction – "Intro to Vocab-ability"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Guide – "Guide to Entries"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Index– "Index" to all Chapters and Sections   _{(right-click on title)}

      Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"   _{(right-click on title)
Images sourced from Google Images, unless otherwise indicated or unless my own.}