These elaborate, colorful, and heart-warming cards show a person's appreciation and affection for being helped in the previous year and help maintain good relationships in the year to come; they’re like Japan’s Christmas cards.

Japan is a country where ceremonies are a traditional and essential part of the life from the moment of their birth until the day of their last breath. Beginning with the pregnancy period and birth, the life of a Japanese citizen becomes a succession of ceremonies, festivals and traditions to follow.

The traditional Japanese calendar, Rokuyo, while helpful in deciding which days are appropriate for important events, also serves as a guide to determine if the day will be lucky or not.

New Year's, or oshogatsu in Japanese, is the most important holiday in Japan, and it is celebrated quite differently than it is in the West.

Christmas shopping can be a fun experience in Japan.

The Children’s Day celebration reminds everyone how important the strength, happiness and health of children are for the future of a society.