In Japan, many were reflecting on the giant tsunami and earthquake that left an entire coastline destroyed, nearly 20,000 people dead or missing and the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant in meltdown.
People visited shrines and temples, offering their prayers for the new year. Giant hanging temple bells were to ring 108 times to purify the world of evil and bring good luck.
More than 400,000 people were expected to watch a four-minute display set to light up Victoria Harbour in HONG KONG.
And fireworks also illuminated the sky over KUALA LUMPUR as Malaysia welcomed 2012. Read more….