...Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
The age-old greeting to welcome in the New Year, a season freighted down with symbolism...
Mochi rice dumplings to ensure that good fortune lasts (mochimasu); kombu (aka kobu) seaweed for celebration (yorokobu); daidai citrus for fecundity (daidai = through the generations); a kuruma-ebi lobster to symbolize longevity (its hunched back)...
Good fortune, long life and good health to one and all in 2010!