The new year is approaching and we could all use some good luck, right? Well, Kenji Oda, a forty-year veteran Hakata doll maker with a studio and gallery in Maebaru might be able to help. Every year just in time for hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) he produces a limited production of cute and collectible decorations known as ohajiki. These tiny handmade and painted objects were once used in children’s games. Oda’s objects include six kyodo gangu (common toys) such as spinning tops and drums as well as the lucky god of the coming year (Benzaiten for 2019). Ohajiki can be ordered from Oda’s gallery, but most people line up to buy them at Oimatsu Shrine during hatsumode (¥3,800).