Happy Lunar New Year from Planet Depos!

By Neal Price

As mentioned in previous blogs, one of many logistical matters to consider when planning to take depositions overseas is the holidays celebrated by the respective countries.  Just as our nation celebrates national holidays like the 4^th of July and New Year’s Day, effectively shutting down business in the country, Asian countries have their own holidays.  For instance, in Japan on February 11, they celebrated National Foundation Day.  On this day, not only were the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and the U.S. Consulate in Osaka closed, making depositions impossible, but other businesses like hotels and print shops were closed, making last-minute planning quite a challenge.  Several countries in Asia are presently celebrating one such holiday – the Lunar New Year.

Hong Kong and Taiwan began celebrating the New Year on February 18 with many parades and celebrations.  One might even see evidence of this in downtown Washington, D.C. in Chinatown or in other major cities across America like Los Angeles and New York City.  While depositions can take place in both Hong Kong and Taiwan in any location – hotel, office, or conference facility – most deponents will refuse to be deposed during this season of revelry.  Likewise, trying to reserve a conference room during this season can be nearly impossible, as parties and balls have the rooms booked many months in advance.  Not to mention most of the sales staff will not be in the office to answer emails or phone calls!

During this same time, South Korea is celebrating Seollal Holiday, which is the Korean New Year or Lunar New Year.  The air is filled with excitement in downtown Seoul and across the beautiful southern peninsula as families celebrate together and participate in ancient rituals such as “chesa,” or an offering to their ancestors.  Delicious food is prepared, and fun games are played making the Seollal Holiday truly a special time for the whole family.  As in Hong Kong and Taiwan, deponents will likely refuse to be deposed during this celebration.

While Japan does not celebrate this Lunar New Year, they experience an influx of vacationers who have taken advantage of the holiday to visit the island nation.  Flights to Tokyo and Osaka are filled to capacity during this time, and hotel rooms are booked many months in advance.

When you begin to make arrangements for your depositions in Asia, it is wise to reach out to a court reporting firm who can assist you with the logistical challenges met during this exciting season in Asia.  If you plan it right, you just might be able to join in some of the fun while visiting one of these gorgeous regions.