When I asked my Japanese teacher about New Years, she told me that years are traditionally viewed as completely separate, with each new year providing a fresh start. Consequently, all duties are supposed to be completed by the end of the year, while bonenkai parties ("year forgetting parties") are held with the purpose of leaving the old year's worries and troubles behind. It's also an excuse to get really really drunk!
Unfortunately, I was in America and missed my school's bonenkai party. However, I heard from other assistant language teachers that it isn't uncommon to see your coworkers act ridiculous (including dressing up like students, maids, or anime characters). I don't think my teachers are that crazy, but I guess we'll never know.
Also on New Years (shogatsu) the Japanese go to shrines for good luck charms and eat toshikoshi soba. When I asked her why they eat this special type of noodle, she said "it is long and thin, and you want your life to be long and your body to be thin" haha!
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