While people in China will not start celebrating the "Year of the Rat" until February 8th, the Japanese have started with - yes you guessed it ........A Rat Race!

The Hamura city zoo in Western Tokyo kicked off the celebration of the New Year with this unusual and fun animal race. Twelve select mice were placed in partitioned lanes and allowed to race against each other, to see who was the fastest house mouse in Japan. The mice not only had to run, but also jump through hurdles to win the race.

Hundreds of spectators gathered to watch this fun event where the kids were allowed to pick their favorite mouse and cheer it on. The best part was that if their favorite mouse won, they were given a mice-themed gift. The video below shows the whole race - pay attention to mouse # 3 who wins and then starts the whole thing over - he was obviously not paying attention when they explained the rules!

The year of the Rat is the first sign of the Chinese Zodiac and includes people born in years - 1900,1912,1924,1936,1948,1960,1972,1984,1996 & 2008. People born under this sign are supposed to be - charming and attractive, hard working, love getting stuff but don't like to spend too much money, have a bad temper and like to gossip and last but the best - are very ambitious and will be very successful!

Happy Year of the Rat from Japan!