Octopus balls are a mainstay of any festival. Bits of octopus and various vegetables are mixed in a batter and placed in these pans lined with depressions. This man is using a pick-like tool to turn them over and over, giving the little morsels a ball shape. He doesn't seem to be affected by the cold, as the heat is up very high on the pans.
Personally, I will pass on the octopus balls.

Next: That stuff on a stick.

A Japanese New Year