9 : Mahiro Rings In The New Year -

Nothing says winter in Japan like the kotatsu. Mahiro is thrilled to have the heated table back, even if Mihari insists it's only for the New Year's week.

On New Year’s Eve, Mahiro and Mihari share traditional "year-crossing" soba noodles. Mihari warns Mahiro to finish them before midnight, as leaving them unfinished is said to bring bad luck for the coming year. 9 : Mahiro Rings In the New Year

As the year winds down, the focus shifts to the quiet, domestic traditions that define a Japanese New Year: Nothing says winter in Japan like the kotatsu

The episode kicks off with a dose of brotherly (or sisterly?) concern. Mahiro is shocked to learn that her sister, Mihari, has a "date" on Christmas Eve. In true Mahiro fashion, she and Momiji end up stalking Mihari and Kaede to the Christmas market, only to be caught and eventually join them for some quality time. Mihari warns Mahiro to finish them before midnight,