#SupportSAKE Photo Campaign

A celebration offering the experience of a Japanese New Year took place on January 1st in Little Tokyo.

Hosted by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California (JCCSC), “Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo” celebrated its 27th year.
As a beloved annual New Year’s tradition in Little Tokyo, the festivities drew large crowds to Weller Court and the Japanese Village Plaza.

The opening ceremony featured speeches by Haruo Takehana, President of the JCCSC, and Kenko Sone, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles.

This was followed by a ceremonial sake barrel opening by community representatives.
Traditional lion dances and mochi tossing ceremonies were also held, wishing for happiness and prosperity in the new year.

The stage showcased performances, including calligraphy by Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai members, martial arts demonstrations such as aikido and kendo, a kimono contest, and traditional folk songs and dances, creating a lively atmosphere for the New Year.

The venue also featured numerous booths offering a wide range of attractions. Visitors enjoyed traditional New Year treats like amazake and mochi, a mini Shinto shrine, as well as food stands selling items such as yakiudon and yakitori.
Activities for children were also very popular.

The Koyasan Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles also welcomed many visitors for hatsumode, the first shrine visits of the year.
Worshippers drew omikuji fortune slip and purchased protective charms, praying for peace and well-being in the coming year.

With favorable weather on New Year’s Day, many people gathered in Little Tokyo to enjoy the start of the new year.