Every January, schools and communities across Japan come alive with exciting New Year's events, marking the transition from the old year to the new. On January 7, 2023, Fukuoka City opened its doors to the new school term, where students were welcomed back to learn and grow. Notably, Tsutsumi Elementary School, located in the Jonan Ward of Fukuoka, held its opening ceremony with approximately 530 students participating online due to health protocols related to illnesses and cold weather.
The online gathering allowed Principal Miki Shinohara to inspire students with her statement: "Let's challenge ourselves toward our goals this semester." After the ceremony, students presented winter assignments and shared hopes and objectives for the upcoming academic challenges. One sixth grader reminisced, "New Year's memories include visiting the shrine with family," encapsulating the traditional significance of Shinto rituals as families connect with their cultural identities.
On the same vibrant day, the entertainment industry also joined the festive spirit. Hiroshi Tate, the prominent actor and head of Tate Productions, celebrated the New Year with his colleagues at their office in Tokyo. The gathering included around 200 guests for the company's first official event of the year, which featured mochi pounding—a traditional Japanese method of making rice cakes. Founded on April 1, 2021, after the dissolution of the celebrated Ishihara Productions, Tate’s company remains dedicated to reviving and innovatively pushing the boundaries of Japan’s film lineup.
At the mochi making event, Hiroshi Tate, expressing his joy at finally hosting the traditional ceremony after years of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said, "I'm satisfied to achieve half of my year's goal with the mochi pounding." He enthusiastically took charge as the first to pound the mochi, calling out the encouragement of fellow attendees with the familiar shout of "yoi shō!" as the rhythmic sound of the pestle echoed through the venue.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Tate's career, filled with countless memorable performances. Despite the significant milestone, when asked about his aspirations for the celebration, he remarked, "I have no special plans. I want to continue as usual, simply and quietly." This reflection of humility and dedication resonates well within Japan’s entertainment culture, indicative of the determination shared among artists.
The entry of the New Year is not solely about festivities but also about setting new goals, especially for students. One sixth grader announced their intent to master all subjects taught from grades one to six before moving on to middle school. These ambitions highlight the cultural emphasis on diligence and preparation for the challenges to come.
The intertwining of celebrations occurring within schools and communities creates a warm atmosphere during the New Year. They serve a dual purpose—honoring Japan’s rich traditions and fostering personal growth. From sacred shrine visits to joyous mochi making, each event plays its part effectively, bridging the gap between past and present.
Following the mochi events, Tate expressed his commitment to pursuing new film projects, hinting at his company's upcoming productions. "I will gradually work toward filmmaking again. This is the dream of Ishihara Yūjirō, Watanabe Tetsuya, and Kobayashi-senmu. I feel proud to carry on their legacy," he declared, setting the stage for what is likely to be another exciting year for both Tate Productions and the larger Japanese cinema scene.
Overall, these simultaneous events on January 7 symbolize Japan's steadfast adherence to tradition even as it navigates modernity, especially visible through educational settings and cultural practices. Such vibrant celebrations unite individuals and cultivate aspirations, all balanced within the revered customs of Japan.