Elderly workers make New Year straw ornaments

The production of lucky charms for the New Year holidays is in full swing in the city of Hitachioota, north of Tokyo.

Straw ropes, called "shimenawa", represent people's wishes for good health and safety. They are hung on the gates or entrances of houses at the New Year.

A center for the elderly has been making straw ornaments for shrines throughout Japan for more than 30 years.

The ornaments are made from local rice seedlings that are harvested in summer.

Some elderly people work in pairs to braid a rope about 7 meters long and 20 centimeters across. Others twist straws on their palms to make an ornament, called "takarabune", that resembles a ship and symbolizes people's hopes for a rich harvest.

One of the elderly workers said it's a shame that there are few young people who will be able to continue the traditional art. Another said they will all do their best to make good decorations for the New Year.