Japanese artisans craft zodiac figures for New Year

Artisans in northeastern Japan are busy making glass horses representing next year's Chinese zodiac symbol. Japanese traditionally buy such items for good luck in the New Year.

The workshop in Iwate Prefecture's Ichinoseki City is among the producers of zodiac-themed ornaments to be sold over the New Year holidays. The glass workshop produces around 300 figurines for gifts and other uses over the year-end and New Year period. They are available at the workshop's store.