I hope everyone had a peaceful New Year’s holiday!

On New Year’s Day this year, I went up to a small hill near my place to see the first sunrise of the year and enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Los Angeles. The hill has quite a few steep steps, and it’s kind of hard to climb. Not only Japanese people but there were also some people from other countries.

In Japan, it has been a custom since ancient times to pray to the god of the year, who is believed to appear at sunrise on the first day of the year, for a bountiful harvest and happiness in the coming year. I am sure everyone there came to see the first sunrise of the year with their thoughts and feelings.

The weather was bad throughout the New Year’s holiday in LA, but at sunrise, the sky was clear and clear, and we could see a magnificent first sunrise. It symbolizes the beginning of the year 2023, doesn’t it? It will surely be a good year with beautiful and dazzling sunlight, even when dark clouds hang overhead!