The Japanese are very fond of catagorizing and naming activities that are the first to be performed in the New Year.  For example, hatsuhinode (はつひので) is called the first sunrise of the New Year.  People wake up at around seven or so in the morning and drive out to the ocean or a quiet place where they can reflect upon the events of the past year.  The view is really stunning, and sometimes people will take pictures of the sky and put it in their photo albums.  Not only is it a time to reflect on the past year, it’s also a time to make decisions about the future.  It’s a day where people resolve to do something different this year and make plans to accomplish any unfulfilled goals.

Hatsuyume (はつゆめ) is the first dream of the new year.  According to the custom of hatsuyume (はつゆめ), the contents of a dream can influence the outcome of the New Year.  For example, if a person dreams of Mount Fuji (which is a famous mountain in Japan) it’s considered a sign of good luck.  It’s also considered good luck to dream of a hawk or an egg plant.  If you have dreams about either of the three or better yet all three things, you’re going to have a fantastic year.  I’m not sure if this actually works, but a friend of mine told me to visualize an image of hawks, egg plants or of Mount Fuji just before I go to sleep.  That way, you’ll get some really good dreams about them for the coming year.  Who knows, if I succeed in dreaming about all three, I may win the lottery this year! Or not!

Hatsu uri baagen (はつうりバアゲン).  Hatsu uri baagen (はつうりバアゲン) is the first sale of the New Year.  It’s a time when department stores put out mass discounts on old items to make room for new items.  With the current state of the Japanese economy in poor shape, many department stores may have to find new ways to get people to shop.  One time and tested way department stores have traditionally lured customers is through the fukubukuro (ふくぶくろ).  The fukubukuro (ふくぶくろ) is a grab bag or goodie bag.  It’s a surprise as to what’s inside, and customers stand in long lines just to get these freebies.  Sometimes you can get some really expensive and cool stuff like designer handbags and shoes.  Sometimes the prizes are lame.  I got a paper fan once, and it was the hightlight of my day!

Ok everyone, gotta go.  I got to get my first sleep of the New Year, so look forward to my other posts!