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Japanese calendar is a source of varied festivals held annually at Japan. History of Japanese calendar dates back to the middle of the 6th century, its said that Japan's first calendar came from China via Korea. The calendar used then was called "Tai-in-taiyo-reki," a lunisolar calendar, or "Onmyo-reki."
Each month was adjusted according to the cycle of moon's rising and waning. Another calendar established by Onmyo-ryo was called "Guchu-reki," in which various words indicating seasons, annual events and daily good omens were written in Chinese characters and called "Reki-chu” The Guchu-reki derives its name from the fact that the notes were written in detail. It was in use till the Edo period.
Japanese new year calendar begins with the festival of Oshogatsu. The New Year's celebration in Japan centers on the belief that at the end of the year Toshigami, the mighty lord visits every house, bringing blessings to them. There are different events in Japanese calendar calculated on astronomical reckonings, the most important being the festival of ‘Obon’, ‘Seijin no Hi’, ‘Setsubun’ and ‘Tanabata festival’. Each of these festivals has a significance related to various age old beliefs and customs.
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The modern Japanese calendar has undergone significant changes, as people now officially recognize the western Gregorian calendar for different official purposes. But still various features of the lunar calendar remain intact in today's Japan. For example, years are still commonly associated with the twelve animals: mouse, cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Thus, Japanese calendar is widely reckoned for its unique combination of ancient and modern celebrations.
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