2026 Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo

On New Year’s Day January 1, Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo was held in Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles.

This annual event began to offer people in Los Angeles a chance to experience Japanese New Year traditions. This year marked its 27th edition.

Although rain was a concern this year, the weather included occasional sunny breaks, and many visitors gathered at Weller Court, the main venue.

The event is organized by JCCSA, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, a nonprofit organization that supports Japanese American businesses in Southern California and promotes cultural activities.

At the opening ceremony, New Year’s greetings were delivered by Jeff Yamazaki, who became President of JCCSC this year, followed by Consul General Kosei Murota of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.

This was followed by a traditional kagami biraki ceremony performed by representatives, celebrating the start of the New Year.

Afterward, demonstrations of Japanese culture such as calligraphy and martial arts were presented. Songs and dances were also performed, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere at the venue.

Along Onizuka Street, booths offered street food like yakisoba and New Year specialties such as mochi, amazake, and sake, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the area.

A stage was also set up at Japanese Village Plaza, attracting many visitors.

Shops and temples around Little Tokyo also saw lively New Year crowds.

At the Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin of Los Angeles, long lines formed for the first shrine visit of the year.
Families and couples purchased good luck charms and drew fortune slips, praying for safety and peace in the year ahead.

#Support SAKE Night

An event organized by #SupportSake, which promotes sake in the United States, was held in Hollywood on December 8.

#SupportSake is an initiative by the Japan External Trade Organization, JETRO.
It aims to support sake breweries facing a shrinking domestic market in Japan. The initiative uses social media like Instagram to connect sake fans in the United States and create a community.

On this day, an awards ceremony was held for a photo campaign. Now in its third year, the contest invited participants to share photos of how they enjoy sake.

Under the theme My Favorite Sake, prizes were given to top entries from over 300 submissions.

The grand prize, which included a plane ticket to Japan, went to Stephanie from Georgia. The result highlighted the growing popularity of sake across the United States.

The event featured a report on a tour of Japanese sake breweries by last year’s grand prize winner and a trivia quiz about sake.
It was filled with a warm and friendly atmosphere.