As year ends, Japanese reflect on fragility of life

Yeah terrible year with many low points experienced by many many people, lets hope that 2012 is a far better year that brings prosperity for all.

Dragon years usually are fairly good years too.

First we need a few new prime minsters for 2012 and then things can start getting better.

Awful year, let's all erase it from memory. Good riddance 2011, you won't be missed! 2012 will be wonderful, I'm sure!

Apparently there was a natural disaster every month somewhere on our planet. I am glad to say good bye to 2011.

2011 was the year that changed Japan forever. Disasters and ongoing nuclear plant problem resulting in radiation spreading everywhere. I most definitely pray that 2012 will be brighter.

We are ALL one pitch away from humility.

Every year we all say the same thing. Good riddance to the year past. I don't think I have ever heard anyone say the year past was a good one. And then we all hope that the next year will be a better one. And it never is.

When did we start celebrating New Year's Eve anyway? It's just another night to people suffering or in trouble.

Sorry to sound so negative.

@ Smartacus - ha ha - gotta agree! I think we all have every reason to be negative about this year however - things can't surely get worse next year. Can they? I stopped making "resolutions" years ago anyway - I used to break them all within days!

Yeah, I agree there should be some reflection of the the events of this year, but the number of people killed by the tsunami is only 2/3 of the amount of people that kill themselves in Japan every year. That is something to not reflect on.

And, December 21, 2012 will be the end of the world. So, if there is anything you really need to do you should do it soon! :P

Every new year brings hope for things to be better than the previous year, and every year end comes with disasters to recall and time to reflect on what could have been better or worse.

The end of the year and beginning of a new one are times to celebrate LIFE and our part in it.

Happy New Year to all, and may it be a peaceful year for all!

I had New Years where I've sat and thought 'Wow! That was a great year!'. I will be glad to see the back of this year though. It's been terrible for whole crowd of people worldwide.

I sincerely hope 2012 brings nothing but goodness and happier times to all. Happy New Year everyone.

2012 will be infinitely better than 2011 - I will make sure of that.

I have been living withmy my golden rule; "live this day as if this is a last day of my life and be happy with what I have" We often think of tomorrow, but that tomorrow may never come. We are fully aware of this message after the 3/11.

May God be with you keeping you safe and happy in the best health and spirit for the coming year of 2012! Happy New Year everyone in Japan!

"be happy with what I have"

Be thankful, maybe. But if I was happy with what I have, I'd never have anything better. I'll always strive to improve upon the current situation.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Seiko Matsuda and her daughter Sayaka were great on Kohaku!

Serrano, I am a believer. Some one upstairs knows what I need and everythng what I have asked for has been delivered. I have been very successful in my professions and now I am comfortably retired in good health and spirit. I am truly enjoying my life. Someone upstairs always listen to me and has been very good to me. I am very grateful. Enough said.

Seiko Matsuda and her daughter Sayaka were great on Kohaku!

Agree there Serrano - but Mrs. Des claimed they didn't do the song justice!

global - Omedetou. Give generously, willya?

Burakumin - Heh, Mrs. Des is just jealous!

Given the situation with Daiichi and the far from adequate job of competent responses by TEPCO and the Jgov, I don't predict that 2012 will be much better. We are in new territory here, and the importance of individuals working together and not relying upon those allegedly in charge is crucial. Personally, I think the whole Daiichi meltdown is the most important event of the year bar none, because it shows irrefutably that nuclear power is not cheap, safe, or worth it...the lack of responsible action by those we put in charge shows the total frailty of that belief. Meanwhile, Kohaku is really doing a bang up job on the emotions that unite people. I hand it to them this year. Oh, and Lady Gaga rocked seriously. Best to us all! Bring on 2012!

global - Omedetou. Give generously, willya?

SerranoDec. 31, 2011 - 11:27PM JST

Yap, I am on the way to Japan for the 2nd mission for help. No problem, Serrano.

Yes, this year was definitely very tragic, especially for Japan...but, also the Nadeshiko Japan's World Cup win brought also oeverwhelming joy...nobody expected.

Happy New to people in Japan....here in Montreal it's still 11:10 of Saturday Morning, we still have almost 13 hours to enjoy last moments of 2011.(=^_^=)

Pray to the gods that 2012 shall be a better year and that we shall not see a repeat of the Tohoku Earthquake/Tsunami.

We should be thankful for what we have, I know I sure am. Sure, we had earthquakes, tsunamis, rolling black outs, no gasoline, at least in my part of the Tokyo, but my family is super genki, my house is still not only standing, but clean as a whistle since we cleaned and cleaned for the last few days, I made a resolution to not drink as much alcohol as I did before, yesterday NOT ONE DROP but I did have lots and lots of yummy shabu shabu, boy that hit the spot! So even though 2011 was a year full of surprises, I do hope and pray that come what may, 2012 I should drop 10 more kilos, since I have been working out since last summer and as long as the $$$ or and health are up to par, what else can I ask for?? So Happy New Year 2012 hope you all do not have terrible hang overs, I know I am tired of that, and ganbarimashou!!

@Mexicano, it is so nice to read a positive note. Good luck on your New Years resolution. I am quitting to smoke. So, Mexicano, let's Gambari mashoo!!

Shabu Shabu sounds yummy.......you made me really hungry for a good Japanese cuisine. Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu!

2012, what a GREAT year it's gonna be !! Once and for all we can prove either those world will end on certain date as true or false !! 50-50 chance. Hopefully if world still exist as we know it after dec 21, 2012, we can all get down to real business and make theplanet Earth better for everyone regardless of race, religions or national creed !!

Cheers !!