- Large crowds gathered at Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo to pray for good luck in 2026.
- Visitors made monetary offerings and wished for success, health, and personal goals in the new year.
- Shrine officials anticipate heavy crowds and are advising visitors to avoid peak times.

A: Hey! Did you see anything about Meiji Jingu?
B: No! What's going on?
A: Lots of people went to pray for good luck for the New Year!
B: Really? Like, *lots*?
A: Yeah! Huge crowds at Meiji Jingu in Shibuya. Everyone was waiting to welcome 2026!
B: Wow! What did they *do*?
A: They waited for the midnight drumbeat! Then they went to the main hall.
B: And then?
A: They threw money to make wishes! Pretty traditional, right?
B: Totally! I wonder what people wished for?
A: One woman hoped to do well at her new job. She transferred in October.
B: Oh, that’s nice. What about younger people?
A: A student wanted everyone to be healthy, and to learn a new language!
B: That's a good goal!
A: The shrine is super busy, they said. They’re asking people to go at different times to avoid the biggest crowds.
B: Makes sense! Happy New Year!
A: Happy New Year to you too!