One of the most important celebrations in many cultures happens on New Year's. Just think about all the fun things we do in America, from the countdown to the New Year's kiss. Japan has all sorts of fun and interesting traditions that make celebrating the new year a blast. This exciting Japanese Culture Class gets you familiar with Japan's New Year's traditions. You'll learn about the foods they eat and the special meanings associated with them. You'll discover the Chinese zodiac and what animal represents each year. Also, find out how and when to send Japanese New Year's cards, and an important reason why you shouldn't. This Japanese Culture Class will get you ready to celebrate the new year in Japan in a flash!

Vocabulary: In this article, you'll learn the following words and phrases:

shoogatsu - New Year's

hatsumoo