first playing of an instrument in the New Year
Refers to the traditional first performance on a stringed instrument (especially koto or shamisen) at the beginning of the year. Often part of New Year's celebrations or ceremonies.
I did the first koto playing of the New Year during the New Year's holiday.
Compound of 弾き (hiki, 'playing', from 弾く hiku) + 初め (zome, 'first', rendaku form of 初め some). The term is associated with New Year traditions.