[ Certainly Sholmes had pumped Mikotoba for information on a great variety of Japanese subjects and traditions, though naturally, some of that has been filtered based upon perceived importance, or fell through the natural cracks in the floor of Sholmes' brain attic. Truthfully, half of his interest in this hatsumōde is because of his desire to observe, and half is because, when in Rome... It's also admittedly pleasant to see his friends in such good spirits, and filled with vigor at showing it off to their visitors from the west.

Of course, all of this good nature and good will doesn't really shine through once he opens his mouth. He sounds pleasant enough saying it, but! ]

Wishes are nothing but a superstition, Miss Susato. The very idea that something or someone can grant us anything that we ourselves do not or cannot accomplish on our own is just a load of hogwash.

[ Way to kill the mood, Herlock Sholmes! ]