Japan was moved from the 7th day of the first lunar month to the 7th day of January during the Meiji period, when Japan adopted the solar calendar during its time of reform from isolationism to a more modern, global form of government. Also included in some the celebrations are the singing of folk songs or nanakusabayashi which are performed in some areas throughout Japan. Tradition runs strong throughout Japan and this is one of many that have stuck around over the centuries. References A Japanese new year's tradition: Feast of the seven herbs of health!. (n.d.). Retrieved from Nipponia. (2005, Sept 15). Retrieved from Renri. (n.d.). Retrieved from ("Renri", n.d. ) Roy, C. (2005). Traditional festivals: A multicultural encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO, INC. Retrieved from Tatsuya, Y. (2007, February 24). Jinjitsu . Retrieved from Winter festivals in Japan New Year in Japan