January 14th 2024 O.A.
Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo 2024
January 1st was “Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo.”
This is an event held by JCCSC where visitors can experience Japanese style New Years celebration. It took place at Little Tokyo’s Weller Court and Japanese Village Plaza.
JCCSC President, Haruo Takehana and Consul General of Japan in LA, Kenko Sone stated their greetings at the opening ceremony.
Followed by greetings of community and organization representatives and the sake barrel breaking.
A lion-dance performance, mochi tossing, and prayers wishing a good year also happened.
Afterwards, there were demonstrations of calligraphy and martial arts on stage.
Minyo and dances livened up the New Year’s Day.
Different booths were available at the event. Not only were food and drinks enjoyed during New Years like amazake or mochi were offered, but also takoyaki, yakisoba, and karaage.
Other booths include a miniature shrine and merchandise. Activities for kids like mochi pounding and making paper airplanes were very popular.
Many people paid their first visit of the year to the Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin of LA, too.
Visitors drew their fortune strips and bought their good luck charm, wishing for a blissful year.
It was a great day with great weather, and many enjoyed their New Year’s Day.
Anime Los Angeles – Love Live ! Sunshine!!
Anime Los Angeles happened at the Long Beach Convention Center for 4 days from January 4th.
It is a Japanese anime convention that happens every January with this year being the 19th time.
It has been held at Long Beach since 2 years ago.
Anime fans looked forward to the opening.
About 450 booths filled the exhibition hall, and everyone bought goods of their favorite anime and artists.
Signings of voice actors and shows livened up the entire event.
JFOODO, the Japan food product promotion center, also joined the booths.
JFOODO is a part of the JETRO organization aiming to boost exports of Japanese agricultural and food products to all over the world.
JFOODO featured the popular anime series “Love Live! Sunshine!!” and sold three different types of “Onigiri bentos” using different ingredients with the characters from the anime introducing their favorite Japanese food.
The bento included a rice ball using Japanese rice, Japanese scallop, a hamburg steak with Wagyu beef, a croquette using Japanese vegetables, and desserts like Japanese mandarin and matcha.
There also was a black, spicy rice ball that was inspired by the anime and attracted many fans.
A special tote bag was given to those who answered the questionnaire, and the organization did some research about Japanese food, too.
The bentos that were sold at the event are also available at Onigiri Sun located inside Daikokuya Annex for a limited time.