Why do Japanese and Koreans celebrate the Year of China?

Many Asian countries also celebrate the Year of China. There are three countries most affected by China in history-Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Some countries even used Chinese as the official language at that time, and didn't create their own language until later, so they also celebrated the Year of China.

At present, China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), South Korea, Vietnam and Singapore all regard the Spring Festival as a legal holiday.

Especially in South Korea, although China pays little attention to some traditional customs in China, it still observes traditional festivals. Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival are all important traditional festivals in Korea. Last year, there was a big debate between China and South Korea because South Korea declared the Dragon Boat Festival a world heritage. No matter what the result is, it is enough to show that it is very important for South Korea to respect and care for traditional culture.

Before the Meiji Restoration, like China and South Korea, Japan celebrated the Spring Festival according to the lunar calendar. After the Meiji Restoration, the Gregorian calendar from China was abolished. Therefore, the first month is also according to the solar calendar, and the New Year is New Year's Day every year. The Spring Festival is called "the old first month". It is not a legal holiday, and there is no holiday or any celebration.