Oshigatsu in Little Tokyo

Many New Years event is being held at Little Tokyo.
January 1st was the 21st “New Years in Little Tokyo.
An opening ceremony was held at Weller Court and the new president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, Kaoru Kawata greeted everyone.
Followed by the greetings of representatives from each Japanese American organizations, and the ceremony closed with the sake barrel breaking.
Afterwards, taiko and shishimai dance performances were held on the stage, celebrating the new year.
And Hiroko Ikuta from the US Japanese Calligraphy Organization wrote “Headlong” for the First Writing as this year is the year of the boar. (Boars can only go straight and will not stop.)

Food like takoyaki and yakisoba were served at Onizuka Street, along with cultural booths introducing a miniature shrine.

New Years celebration was held at the Koyasan Temple and many paid a visit.

It was a nice weather throughout the day and everyone from young to old enjoyed their New Years.

Many people also came to visit the Japanese
Village Plaza as it was also filled with events.

Kotohajime

January 6th was the annual “Koto hajime” (First of year) celebration at the Aratani Theater in Little Tokyo.
Various artists based in LA and performance groups performed under this year’s theme, “First Glow.”
An international violinist, Ken Aiso who is based in LA.
And harmonica player, Tex Nakamura each did a solo performance enjoyed by the audience.
And the “Purification ceremony” was held along with the two artists collaborating.
The first bow was shot by the art director of this stage, Hirokazu Kosaka.

The event ended with a mochi pounding performance and sake barrel breaking.
New Years event “Ikebana Japanese flower arrangement exhibition” is also being held at JACCC 1st floor, Doizaki Gallery until January 20th.