A couple of Japanese New Year's events some of you may be interested in:
Mochitsuki Mochi Pounding Ceremony Saturday, January 14, 2012 Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Celebrate the Japanese New Year with Kagami Kai! Join this venerable San Francisco institution as they present the colorful and exciting New Year tradition of mochi (delectably sweet rice cakes) pounding with music, dance and costumes. FREE with museum admission: http://www.asianart.org/mochipounding.htm
12:00 noon – 1:00 pm, Samsung Hall Hands–on activity, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm, Education Classrooms FREE with museum admission Children 12 and under always admitted free!
Mochitsuki Mochi Pounding Ceremony & New Year's Party Sunday, January 8, 2012 Berkeley Buddhist Temple The Berkeley Buddhist Temple will host its annual New Year’s party, including a mochitsuki mochi-making ceremony and luncheon after a morning reception. http://www.berkeleysangha.org/
10:30 am Mochitsuki 11:30 am New Year's Party (bento reservations may be required; contact the Temple)