I know in Korea and China, the Chinese New years is
celebrated, not the Western Dec 31.  It takes place in Feb, I believe.

I do not know which New Year is celebrated in Japan, but I would think
that the Chinese New years would be.  

That's not to say that Dec 31 wouldn't be celebrated, (I think people
everywhere look for an excuse to celebrate,) but the religious ceremonies 
would likely take place on the Chinese New Years.

-- 
Erik Schweitzer Who should remember what the exact date is, as  we expected
                the North to roll across the border that day.
                                   | Troll by birth, Yooper by choice.
Michigan Technological University  *
elschwei@mtu.edu   e-mail          | What's a Yooper?  Check out
(500)674-9903      phone           * http://rever.nmsu.edu/~yooper/