I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year! I wish you happiness and pleasure in the next year! In Japan, there are a few traditional (and modern) methods to celebrate New Year’s Eve and Day. To ring in the new year, some individuals go to a temple or shrine. They also wish them well in their health, love, and business endeavors. Others attend a public countdown or remain at home to watch special television shows. On New Year’s Eve, I stay at home and watched one of the most popular TV series, Kouhaku Uta Gassen, or a nationwide singing competition known as Kouhaku. I also eat toshikoshi soba, a kind of year-crossing soba noodle. Finally, I send nenngajyou, or New Year postcards, to those who are significant to me, such as friends and relatives. Message exchanges on social media, especially among young people, are replacing this paper-media tradition. I’m enjoying a pleasant holiday season. What are your thoughts?