In Japan the period from January 1st to 3rd is very important and most people are on vacation.
This year is considered to be a year of the Tiger, according to the Oriental Zodiac. There are 12 animals in the Oriental Zodiac, so every 12 years we have a year of the Tiger. This year people who are going to be 12, 24, 36... , or an age multiplied by 12, were born in a year of the Tiger.
And people put this kind of figurine on the table through the year.
This is an example of the Oriental Zodiac. it starts with Rat, followed by Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, and Pig.
We send new year's cards to close friends, relatives and colleagues. And these cards often have the year's animal printed on.
People make their original cards on the computer, but you can order some at a photo shop or home center.
But these days young people don't send the new year's cards and instead send emails. This card exchanging tradition is beginning to be obsolete even among old people.
This is called "Kagami mochi". As seen in the episode 12 （at 0:24) of Lucky Star, "Kagami" means mirror. And "mochi" means rice cake. This rice cake is called mirror because in the ancient times of Japan mirrors were round-shaped.
People put this kind of ornament on the front door of the house. It is said a god called "Toshigami" comes to one's house and settles on this ornament. By welcoming the god, we can spend the new year without any misfortune.
Anyway these things are some of the symbols of New Year's in Japan. Hope everybody in the world will have a happy new year :)
