New Year

Yamaha has arranged a special package of New Year's presents such as paper craft models of a Kadomatsu, a Tiger and a Kumade. These are typical symbols seen anywhere in Japan during the New Year's season. We have also prepared the 1998 New Year's calendar.
Please follow the assembly instructions and try your hand at making Japanese paper crafts!

Kadomatsu

Kadomatsu is a decoration consisting of a pair of pine trees and bamboo stems. It is placed on both sides of the front entrance of a house from January 1-7. It symbolizes that the tree provides longevity, prosperity and purity for the descent of the Gods. This custom was originally started in China around 8th Century and was later brought to Japan.

The Tiger

The Tiger is one of the twelve holy sings of the Chinese and Japanese zodiac, which is much different from Western astrology. It is based on a calendar that originated in ancient China and was brought to Japan around the 8th Century. By the 17th Century, it became widely common in the daily life of Japanese society.
The Tiger was regarded as one of the holy animals in China.

Kumade

Kumade literally means "Bear's hand." This tool is normally used as a broom for sweeping fallen leaves in Autumn. However, particularly during the New Year's celebration, this tool is believed to collect all happiness and wealth, and is mostly used now by people in business.

This data was released in January, 1998.