Today is the 天皇誕生日 (The Emperor of Japan’s birthday).
He’s 75 years old today.
Today is one of the two times of the year that the Japanese Emperor greets the public at the Imperial Palace (the other day is New Years).
(Click here to read my short FAQ about 天皇誕生日 (The Emperor of Japan’s birthday)).
It has been announced that the Emperor is currently suffering stress-related illness.
Here’s a picture of the Emperor Of Japan greeting the public at the Imperial Palace today:
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Yesterday, I went to a 忘年会 (End Of The Year Party).
(The literal translation of 忘年会 would be Forget The Year Meeting…but I think End Of The Year Party is a more accurate translation).
It was at a nice restaurant. We had 刺身 (sashimi), シャブシャブ (Shabu-shabu), and 飲み放題 (All-you-can-drink alcohol)!
In Japan, many people do 忘年会 (End Of The Year Party) in December and/or 新年会 (New Year’s Party) in January.
Tokyo Five 
brandiandboys…
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such a fascinating post! love reading about your holiday traditions. hope you have a merry christmas and happy new year!!
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You don’t need an excuse at this time of year! It’s 忘年会 (End Of The Year Party) this month and 新年会 (New Year’s Party) in January (as I mention in the post above).
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I went to a nomihodai last night too. We used the Emperor’s birthday as the excuse.
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