Countries in the Asia-Pacific region begin welcoming 2025 with fireworks and celebrations

Australia and New Zealand were among the first countries to ring in the New Year.

Transcript

00:00Countries around the world have begun celebrating the New Year, with Australia and New Zealand

00:07among the first to welcome 2025.

00:11Auckland became the first major city to ring in the New Year with a light show and fireworks.

00:19Australia also had a spectacular display at Sydney Harbour.

00:23More than one million people were estimated to have descended to watch the show.

00:28Earlier, British pop star Robbie Williams led a sing-along and indigenous ceremonies

00:33and performances acknowledged the land's first people.

00:38In Japan, hundreds of locals and tourists crowded the grounds of Tokudai-ji Temple in

00:43Tokyo, where a bell was rung at midnight.

00:46Japan observed the zodiac cycle from January 1st, welcoming the Year of the Snake.

00:52Other places in Asia, like China, will start marking the Year of the Snake later, with

00:56the Lunar New Year.

00:58Cities around the world are readying with celebrations highlighting local cultures and

01:02traditions after a year roiled by ongoing conflict and political instability.