By ELLEN ENDO
RAFU SHIMPO
Twenty-six years ago, when the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California (JCCSC) leaders announced the launch of the first Oshogatsu celebration, their biggest challenge was trying to convince Little Tokyo merchants to keep their shops and restaurants open on a holiday.
It took years, but the Oshogatsu crowds grew steadily, last week reaching visitor estimates between 6,900 and 13,200, according to data compiled by the Little Tokyo Business Association. The foot traffic continued through the weekend.
Today, Oshogatsu has grown into a New Year’s Day event second only to the Pasadena Rose Parade/Rose Bowl game.
A subsequent Family Festival was held Jan. 5 at the Japanese American National Museum.
“It’s always nice to see so many people enjoying the Japanese way of celebrating Oshogatsu,” observed Consul General of Japan Kenko Sone.
Sone reflected on the “wonderful Japanese presence in this region,” noting that professional athletes Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the L.A. Dodgers and soccer players Maya Yoshida and Miki Yamane of the L.A. Galaxy won their respective championships.
JCCSC President Haru Takehana reminded those gathered that Oshogatsu is “a cherished time when families and friends, many dressed in traditional kimono, gather at temples to pray for a healthy and prosperous year.”
Along with the crowds, the New Year’s program included drummers and shishimai lion dancer from the Taiko Center of L.A., calligraphy demonstration, folk dancing and singing, kimono contest and fashion show, aikido and kendo demonstrations. Festivities also included an impromptu odori procession from Weller Court to Japanese Village Plaza.
Visitors sampled products at food and beverage booths, ranging from yakisoba, mochi, karaage, and takoyaki to sake, beer, and shochu.
In addition to Weller Court and JVP, the community-wide event received support from 14th District Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, Mutual Trading, and U.S. Bank. Grace Shiba and Jeff Yamazaki served as event co-chairs.
On Jan. 5, the Japanese American National Museum held its annual Oshogatsu Family Festival featuring snake-themed crafts and origami, performances, mochitsuki (rice pounding), candy-making, plus other cultural activities for all ages.
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