This is The Japan Year for The Garden Club of the Back Bay.  The Peabody Essex Museum will host a Japanese New Year event on Friday, January 27 from 6 – 9, including hands-on art activities for kids of all ages.  Supper by the bite.  Special performances and interactive storytelling will be part of the celebration.  To learn more, call 978-542-1539, or email elisabeth_buell@pem.org.