Omss-Culture: Dec 26, 2010

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New Year Celebration: "Oshogatsu" in Little Tokyo, Jan 1

"Oshogatsu" in Little Tokyo (Photo by Nobuyuki Okada)

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation present the 13th Annual 2011 Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo event on January 1, 2011.

"Oshogatsu" in Little Tokyo (Photo by Nobuyuki Okada)

This is a day-long celebration of the New Year and will be held at Weller Court and the Japanese Village Plaza in Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles.

The festivities begin with the Opening Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at Weller Court. New Year's greetings will be made by community leaders and the 2010 Nisei Week Queen and her Court.

Various performances follow including Taiko drumming, flower arrangement, classical Japanese dance, Japanese calligraphy demonstration, kimono show and martial arts, to name a few. Performances will be held in two locations: Weller Court from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Japanese Village Plaza from 12 noon - 4:00 p.m.

"Oshogatsu" in Little Tokyo (Photo by Nobuyuki Okada)

In addition, enjoy the Japanese New Year tradition of mochitsuki, which is the pounding of sweet rice into paste and molded into shape. Mochi is a traditional food enjoyed on New Year's Day in Japan.

In addition, yakisoba (Japanese noodles), chilli rice and other food booths will be available. Children can enjoy making kites and origami (the art of paper folding) at the arts and crafts stations. Several of the shops and restaurants will be open in Little Tokyo.

A new addition to the festivities is the first ever 'Happy New Year in Little Tokyo Lucky Sake Tasting' event which will be held at the Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Special advanced sales tickets are: $20 per person, and $35 per couple. At the door, the cost is $40 per person. For more information: Email: AllJapanNews@gmail.com or call (213) 680-0011.

"Oshogatsu" in Little Tokyo (Photo by Nobuyuki Okada)

Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo is sponsored by many community companies, organizations and volunteers, and we thank them for their support to make this happen.

This has been an annual family event for the past 12 years so bring your family and friends and celebrate the New Year in Little Tokyo on January 1st!

For more information please go to: http://jccsc.com or call (213) 626-3067.