While Japan recognizes January 1 as the official new year, many Japanese still enjoy the customs and festivities of the Lunar New Year. In addition to celebrating with food, fancy dresses, elaborate decorations, games, and poetry, the new year is commemorated by paying special attention to the first time something is done in the new year.

CultureALL Ambassador Yoko Tanaka, Executive Director of Japan America Society of Iowa, supplies participants with rice paper, ink, and calligraphy brushes to write their first Japanese characters. Traditional words written are inspirational ones, such as “Sunrise” (start of a great year), “Mt. Fuji” (symbol of Japan’s natural beauty), “Health,” and “Perseverance.”

‍