Fortunes

Today was the first day back at the office. We went to a local shrine with Natsuko (our boss), said another prayer for the New Year and received our fortunes for the year. This is a very important part of New Year celebrations in Japan. As well as going to a shrine with your family, people go with work colleagues, team mates and friends.

We managed to get a fortune in English this year and here are some of my favourite parts

Marriage Proposal – don’t depend on others too much

Childbirth – No problem, Easy to birth

Travel – No problem, but don’t give yourself up to sensual pleasures

Wish – The beginning is the most important

Game and Match – Ascertain your rival

“Though it seems to bed its head to one side, a green willow really bends its head in any direction depending on the wind. So does a man’s feeling.”