2009 has its own mark in my walk of life. The year I started my life in foreign land, specifically in Japan. The year I was so worn out to study for my graduate school entrance exam but Alhamdulillah passed it. And few other adventures and life experiences that I feel so precious to be listed here.
I remember in previous years I did make new year resolutions and aim to achieve it. I dare say I'd fulfilled the 2009 list with some points not achieved but I really feel good. And this year I just hope that my life would be better than last year, the world will be much better place for us to live in and of course, the happiness of everybody. My master course and research will begin this spring, I really hope I can nail it graduate like everyone else.
New year celebration back in my home country has this close image to concerts and fireworks. Sleepless nights. But surprisingly in Japan, although new year is a big celebration celebrated by Japanese (long holiday and they go back to their hometown, like Christmas for Christians and Eid for Muslims), concerts and fireworks are not common to celebrate New Year. I can't recall what I did back in 2009 for New Year's Eve, probably watch the countdown at home. It has been ages since I went to countdown concerts and watch firework show for new year, the last one maybe while I was still in college.
New Year's Eve: This year I didn't go out either, I was not really motivated to spend the whole night outside since it was freezing. Watched Downtown Gaki ni Tsukai: Waratte wa Ikenai and Kouhaku Uta Gassen with Shogo and Anthony instead (without both of them, my New Year's Eve will be a bit lonely). I watched both show in Youtube before (I think it's pretty famous on Internet), so this is my first time to watch it on tv. Ended up continue watch tv the whole night and sleep at 5:00 am. What a way to celebrate new year.
Jan 1: woke up at 14:00, and went to Nagareyama Ootakanomori to check out the fukubukuro scene but unfortunately all shops were closed (New Year is really like Eid in Malaysia, Tokyo streets were almost empty and shops are mostly closed), so decided to go to karaoke with Shogo and Reginaldo instead. At least the karaoke parlor and kombini was still open. More about Japanese new year, click here.
My first 年賀状/nengajou/New Year's Postcard, a common etiquette in Japan (more about common etiquette in Japan, click here) from Coy. The postcard normally will be received exactly on the first day of new year and commonly replied within seven days.Jan 2: went to Gotemba Premium Outlet in Gotemba, Shizuoka. The bus ride took about one and a half hour from Tokyo. Despite colder weather in Shizuoka, the crowd was immense, all can't wait to spend their yens. Managed to get myself a new wallet, Nike Snow Trainer 3 and francfranc fukubukuro.
富士山/Fuji-san/Fuji Mountain from far. Gotemba located in the foot of the mountain. 皆さん、
新年明けましておめでとうございます。
昨年は色々とお世話になりました。
ありがとうございます。
今年も宜しくお願いします。
今年も頑張りましょう。
「。。。この風は
あなたですか？
次の春を吹きますか。。。」
ーコブクロ「風」２００２
