Happy New Year

Nice pic. Did that once (not there). Was enough for me. Long wait for a few seconds ringing the gong. I'd rather watch the sunrise (like this morning) much less crowded and meaningful, at least to me.

Very Crowded. over here in the states, we're having thunderstorms, tornados and snow within 24 hours. Not great way to start the New Years, but it's still fun to be there.

Crazy.

Having done this once in the past, I can never understand the appeal to all this...

Not my cup of tea.

Wow so many people lining up for my autograph...just kidding. I'm right at the back eating mochi balls.

Different culture. It seems that they must do it.

Nice Pic.

My son is scheduled to come back from Nagoya tomorrow, bit worried if snow/wind will cause a delay as the return rush starts tomorrow too.

In 2000 we rang the new Year in at a small shrine next to a Lake. Was very nice but cold.

Of the bigger shrines I like to visit Monnaka, those get very crowded too.

Wow, so many people here rushing to celebrate the Western New Year.

New Years` celebrations in Japan - so boring.

Wow, so many people here rushing to celebrate the Western New Year.

It's also the Japanese New Year..:)

love that Afro hairdo, 4th person behind the security guardo.

It's also the Japanese New Year..:)

Not really. The traditional New Year, will fall on the 3rd of February, 2011 though. ;)

Japan hasn't celebrated the Chinese/Lunar New Year for a long time now.

Most people in japan don't even know when it is unless there is a report on Telly.

Doesn't change the fact that it's still Western New Year.

French bread is still french bread, even if you eat it in Japan.

i love the guy in the middle who's sniffing the hair of the girl in the 1st row

clap clap, May there be peace safety and good health to everyone on JT .人.

I was there 2 days ago. Not as crowded. Nice 40min bike ride.

Wow, so many people here rushing to celebrate the Western New Year.

You could argue that so many western people rush to celebrate the new year of a country they have never visited (well, the Papal State anyway!) so there isn't really any difference between an American and a Japanese person doing this!

This is a wonderful place. Full of LIFE, happiness and love. Enjoy every moment as if it is the last one.

noriyosan - True, dat. And I can't believe it - I see only two masks here...

Picasso painted faces with two masks because he believed everyone had two faces-the one the people see and the one the owner sees in the mirror. The question is: What face does a person really want other people to see? It must be the good side. Happy New Year to the other side.

I hope Blondie six rows back on the right gets plenty of happiness this year. I could let her have some if she's running low.

Shinnen Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu, JTers!!

Oh Lordy what a lot of people...looks like an infestation

Good picture you can't see the people faces wayBack & half way up you can kindof see the heads. The people in front are wearing Dark colors so the Guy in the Front with the Red Jacket stands out. many Nihonjin many Kawaii faces. Yeah Newyears is for EVERYIONE & Every country celebrates it. Happy NewYear to ALL of YOU.