Jan 8th 2017 O.A.
Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo
January 1st was Oshogatsu (New Year’s) in Little Tokyo. At Weller Court, the representatives said their New Year’s greetings and breaking of the sake barrel were held. At the miniature shrine, the chief priest prayed for great harvest and national prosperity. This event started 19 years ago to liven up the community and to spread Japan’s New Year’s culture. It is now one of LA’s seasonal traditions. At the Koyasan Buddhist Temple, a homa ritual was held and many people attended. The Japanese Village Plaza and Francis Hashimoto Plaza held many events and the attendees enjoyed Japanese New Years.
Rose Parade
The annual Rose Parade was held at Pasadena on January 2nd. Floats decorated with colorful flowers and marching bands celebrated the 128th Rose Parade. The largest float was the parade’s sponsor and the front runner of the parade, the American Honda. 20 high school students from Fukushima was invited through the TOMODACHI – Honda Cultural Exchange Program, supporting the restoration from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The students experienced 2 weeks stay in the US including the Rose Parade. The float was decorated with the waterfall cherry tree of Miharu and Nihonmatsu chrysanthemum dolls, which were the ideas of the students symbolizing Fukushima.