Echizen Washi

Japanese people become very busy in the end of December for cleaning, cleaning and cleaning, writing New Year Cards, preparing special food for New Year Day etc. That's all for welcoming New Year quietly at 0:00. Of course some young people enjoy parties and don't go home to gather together with families. Some also don't prepare or cook special food but just buy ready made dishes. 

But more and more I love this original and traditional way to spend New Year Eve in Japan. No fireworks but gongs ! No kisses but bows to each other !

I love this quiet atmosphere right before the date changes. It's a very good start for me.

This time on Dec 31st when I was about to go back to my parents', I visited where I work to give year-end greetings to my boss and his mother, Fusae. My boss has just lit the lanturns for each papermaking places. He told me he would keep them until the New Year Day started.

I gave a prayer to the studio and appreciated 2014.