A woman pours a close friend of the family some sake. Entertaining close friends took place in the best room of the house, with the friend sitting in the place of honor in front of the tokonoma.
Two men are clowning around as part of the entertainment seen during Meiji Period (1868-1912) New Year celebrations.
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.
Entertainment for the children was not forgotten during the New Year celebrations of the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
Shopping at a temple market on the first day of the year.
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.