Jan 7th 2018 O.A.
New Year Celebration in Little Tokyo
A New Year’s event happened at Little Tokyo on January 1st. Held by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of SoCal, this event marks its 20th year. It has become an annual event for the New Year in the Japanese American community. First, greetings were done by the representatives, along with the sake barrel breaking, Kagamiwari. Next, Taiko drumming and a Shishimai dragon dance happened. The Nisei Queen and her court tossed mochis and liven up the New Year. The Nisei Queen and her court tossed mochis and liven up the New Year. Mochi pounding, mini shrines wishing for a good year, as well as food stands lined up with: yakisoba, takoyaki and okonomiyaki at the Onizuka Street. The area was filled with cheerful faces. A game section was made at Frances Hashimoto Plaza. Kids enjoyed playing kendama, spinning tops and origami sumo wrestling. This event started to revitalize Little Tokyo, and pass down the traditional Japanese culture to younger generations. But now, it is an annual event for the New Years in LA. A Shusho-e New Years service was held at the Koyasan Buddhist Temple. W orshippers drew their omikuji luck of the year and received charms. This day was a great weather, and 15,000 people spent a cheerful New Years Day.
Rose Parade
The annual Rose Parade happened on January 1st at Pasadena. This event celebrating the New Years in America, is the 129th time this year. Crowds gathered at Colorado Boulevard; floats covered with colorful roses, marching bands and the equestrians lit up the parade. “Making a Difference” was this year’s theme for the Rose Parade. The Honda float started off the parade as it sponsors the event. 34 meters long, 6 meters high. The float was named “Power of Dream Express” as colorful floats were decorated onto it. Representatives of organizations and associations supporting disabled children got on the floats. KTLA News Anchor, Frank Buckley’s oldest son, Ben participated representing the association for diabetes. 88 groups representing the city, business and community participated this year, and the New Year started marvelously.