New Year Preparations And Decoration In Japan

HIMEJI, JAPAN - DECEMBER 28: Buddhist monk Teshu Kato, 73, steams rice using a "Kamado", a traditional stove, to make Mochi, New Year rice cakes and celebrate the coming year at Zuiganji Buddhist temple on December 28, 2025 in Himeji, Japan. Japan celebrates the New Year on January 1st of each year, following the Gregorian calendar. The Japanese zodiac year is usually associated with twelve animals: the rat, cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. 2026 is the Year of the Horse. Traditional New Year decorations are displayed to signify welcoming the New Year God, Toshigami. (Footage by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images)