In ancient times in the East, the time of the year around the winter solstice was considered as the beginning of the year, but later on the time of year around the beginning of spring was considered as the beginning of the year (actually, a month having rain was considered Shogatsu (January)).
東洋では、古代には冬至のころを年初としていたが、後に立春のころを年初とする（正確には雨水を含む月を正月（1月）とする）ようになった。