Emiko Kameyama has two close friends she likes to hang out with. In addition to their monthly dinners and the occasional trips they take together, two years ago the trio began a new tradition -- playing the Jumbo takarakuji (lottery).

With their eyes set on winning the first prize of 200 million yen, the three friends from Nagoya spend 3,000 yen buying 10 tickets for each of the thrice-yearly Jumbo takarakuji from a lottery booth near Nagoya Station that's famous for having had many winners.

"The woman born in March goes to buy them, because Pisceans are supposed to be luckiest when it comes to the lottery. Then my other friend makes copies of the 10 tickets and distributes them to us," Kameyama explains. "I'm the one who just prays," she adds with a laugh.