2017 New Year’s day event draws thousands of people at Little Tokyo
19th annual “Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo” event is held on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 at Weller Court, Japanese Village Plaza, and Frances Hashimoto Plaza in Little Tokyo by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California. (Cultural News Photo)
On Weller Court stage, “Shishi Mai” dance is performed by Rev. Tom Kurai of the Taiko Center of Los Angeles as an opening program of “Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo” event. (Cultural News Photo)
2016 Nisei Week Queen and Courts appear at Weller Court stage and perform “Mochi machi.” (Mochi give away) acts. (Cultural News Photo)
Izume Hasegawa presides “Saitansai” Shinto ceremony at the Shusse Inari Shrine booth on Onizuka Street as a part of “Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo” event. Hasegawa was born at a family of Shinto shrine with the name of Shusse Inari Jinja in Matsue, Shimane prefecture. One day booth of Shusse Inari Shrine is a part of new activity of the Shusse Inari Shrine of America. www.ShusseInariShrine.org (Cultural News Photo)
Japanese folklore “Namahage” is New Year’s eve ritual in Akita prefecture. Namahage LA are portrayed by Jimmy Pearly Staley (white mask) and Robin Lynn (blue mask). (Cultural News Photo)
Not only performers on stage of “Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo” event, but also some of visitors to Little Tokyo wear Kimono (Cultural News Photo)
“Fire Rite” at the Koyasan Buddhist Temple is a New Year’s Day ritual in Little Tokyo. Year by year, Koyasan Temple draws more visitors (Cultural News Photo)
