The New Year is one of the most important occasions for all Japanese. Relatives living far away gather together to celebrate the New Year, wishing for the future health of every family member. Many Japanese people pay the first visit to shrines or Buddhist temples on New Year’s Day. Traditional holiday foods and items thought to bring good luck are on sale at bigger temples.

Dezomeshiki

The New Year’s Parade of Firemen in Tokyo is a dazzling spectacle of agile firemen in traditional uniforms performing acrobatic stunts on top of tall bamboo ladders.
Time: 10:00-11:50
Location: Tokyo Big Site East Parking Lot

January Grand Sumo Tournament

Sumo is a traditional combative Japanese sport that is well known throughout the world. Held at Ryogoku Kokugikan, this is one of several tournaments that take place throughout the year.
Ticket prices vary depending on the seats.
http://www.sumo.or.jp/eng/index.html

Seijin no Hi (Coming-of-Age Day)

People celebrate this day to welcome young men and women, who have turned or will turn the age of 20 during the current year, as new adult members of society. Ceremonies are held in every city, town and village. Meiji shrine in Tokyo is one of the best places to see young people dressed in elaborate kimono paying their visit to the shrine.

MIFA Japanese Cooking Class

The Meguro International Friendship Association (MIFA) will be holding a Japanese Cooking Class on January 19th. Participants will learn to cook three Japanese dishes. Instruction is in English, and the class is open to all Tokyo foreign residents on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Time: 9:30A.M.-12:00P.M.
Location: Kamimeguro Juku Center (2-6-6, Yutenji, Meguro-ku) Five-minute walk from Yutenji Station
To register: Call (03-3715-4671) or e-mail (info@mifa.jp)

Rika-chan Heart Hills Tour

Celebration featuring “Rika-chan,” the Japanese version of the Barbie doll. Enjoy the world of “Rika-chan,” play dress-up, and have your photo taken by a professional photographer.
Time: 10:00-21:00
Location: Tokyo Tower 3F
Admission: ¥800 children, ¥400 adults

Setsubun

Bean-Throwing Festival is observed at leading temples across the country.

Yukimatsuri

Snow Festival in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Huge, elaborate snow and ice sculptures are erected on the Odori-Koen Promenade.
It’s far, but it’s worth the trip!

Tokyo Here and Now Orientation

Orientation program for newcomers to Tokyo.
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Tokyo American Club Ballroom (4F)
Admission: ¥30,000 for TAC Members ¥34,000 for non-Members
The fee includes program materials, resource handbook, breakfast and lunch, and a cocktail reception.
Register by February 24 at the Member Services Desk at the Tokyo American Club