Oshogatsu, New Year’s Day, in Little Tokyo, Jan. 1, 2008

Cultural News, December 2007

A New Year’s Day event at Weller Court Shopping Center in Little Tokyo. (Photo courtesy of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce)

   The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California will present Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo: Japanese New Year Celebration 2008 at Weller Court shopping center, Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens (former New Otani Hotel) and Japanese Village Plaza shopping center on Tuesday, Jan. 1.

  The opening ceremony will start at 11 a.m. at the main stage in Weller Court with Taiko Center of Los Angeles performance. Weller Court New Year’s programs will run from 11:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. such as Lion Dance, Mochi-Machi, Calligraphy, Knedo, Hane-tsuki, Kenpo, Samurai Action Show, Minyo and Odori, Shin ken-do, and Awa Odori.

  Kyoto Grand Hotel will provide New Year’s Japanese food menu such as Osechi from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Azalea restaurant, Garden Level, and food and refreshment corner. From 12 p.m. through 3 p.m., Cultural demonstration will be held in the hotel. The program includes “go” game tournament, Children’s Karuta tori tournament, Calligraphy, Kimono Dressing, Tea Ceremony, and Comic Storytelling.

   In Japanese Village Plaza, the program will start at 12 p.m. and run until 5 p.m. The stage performance will include Taiko, Awa Odori, Koto and more.

   Kohaku Utagassen music show will be held at Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple on Sunday, Jan. 6 from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.