Japanese Festivals  - Omisoka -  New Year's Eve       Omisoka is New Year’s Eve in Japan.     The Japanese spend days of preparation for Omisoka. The spring cleaning, Osouji, begins in the beginning of December. Keeping with tradition, the Japanese clean their houses, schools and businesses from top to bottom. They settle all debts, obligations and problems in relationships.      Kadomatsu decorates each side of the front entrance. Pine boughs, bamboo and bamboo grass compose the … [Read more...]