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Kobe, 1906
New Year Celebrations 13

Several men perform a shishi-mai lion dance in the courtyard of a shrine. The performers would also dance in front of the homes of the parishioners as a charm against evil spirits and disease, and to pray for good fortune.

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Kobe, 1906
New Year Celebrations 14

Entertainment for the children was not forgotten during the New Year celebrations of the Meiji Period (1868-1912).

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Kobe, 1906
New Year Celebrations 15

Shopping at a temple market on the first day of the year.

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Kobe, 1906
New Year Celebrations 16

Girls play hanetsuki (羽根突き, battledore and shuttlecock) in front of their home. This was one of the traditional games that was played during the New Year celebrations.

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Kobe, 1906
New Year Celebrations 17

Another traditional New Year’s event that has almost completely disappeared, flying kites.

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Kobe, 1906
New Year Celebrations 18

A family enthusiastically plays karuta (かるた), a game still played during New Year today.