January is a fun moment in Japan as well. as of January 1st, shops displays Fukubukuro (lucky bags). For a cool price, the bag comes with all sorts of things. this creates massive queues depending on the shop.
My neighbor who sells carpets, even has these bags available for JPY 7000.- this year
but this is only available until January 3rd, after that, things go back to normal (and people to work)