In celebrating the Year of the Dog, the Japanese American National Museum presents the 2018 Oshogatsu Family Festival on Sunday, January 7, 11am – 5pm.
http://www.janm.org/events/2018/oshogatsufest/
Foster/Adopt a Dog, 11am – 2pm
Come meet dogs that need a permanent home and learn about a fostering program. Presented in partnership with Dogs Without Borders.
Lucky Soba Noodles, 11am – 3pm
Kidding Around the Kitchen will give out sample bowls of lucky zaru soba (cold buckwheat noodles) to bring good health in the New Year. Kids can top the soba with their choice of tofu, vegetables, and nori. While supplies last.
Story Time and Book Signing with Joel Nakamura, 11:30am
Artist and author Joel Nakamura will be here in person to read his new children’s book, I Dreamed I Was a Dog.
In a young boy’s dream, a variety of animals frolic in fantastical scenes, evoking the interconnectedness of all creatures. The book will be available in the JANM Store, and Nakamura will sign copies after the reading.
Candy Sculptures, 11:30am – 5pm
Shan Ichiyanagi will demonstrate the ancient, and now rarely practiced, Asian folk art of candy sculpting, as he makes candy in the shape of dogs and other animals of the Asian zodiac.
Finished pieces will be offered as prizes in the Kid’f Raffle.
Osechi-Ryori Tasting, 12pm – 4:30pm
Our popular osechi-ryori tasting is back! Sample a selection of traditional Japanese New Year foods, including various sweets and vegetables, and learn about what each dish means. While supplies last. Express Line for members.
Storytime: My Dog Teny, 12:30pm
A JANM volunteer will read Yoshito Wayne Osaki’s critically acclaimed children’s book My Dog Teny, an autobiographical tale about the author’s own dog, whom he had to leave behind when he was incarcerated at Tule Lake concentration camp as a child.
Stan Sakai Drawing Demonstration and Book Signing, 1pm – 2pm
Stan Sakai, the talented artist behind the graphic novel hero Usagi Yojimbo, will hold a drawing demonstration followed by a book signing. Copies of his latest two books, Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 31: The Hell Screen and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo, will be available for purchase in the JANM Store. Seating is limited. Reserved seating for members.
Koto Performance, 1:30pm – 2pm
Los Angeles-based musician Yuki Yasuda will play the traditional Japanese stringed instrument.
Mochitsuki Demonstration by Kodama Taiko, 2:30pm – 4:15pm
Making fresh mochi is a beloved Japanese new year tradition. Join Kodama Taiko for their unique mochitsuki (rice pounding) demonstration, which incorporates taiko drumming, and enjoy delicious mochi samples while supplies last.
Japanese-Style Lion Dance, 3:30pm – 4pm
Take in a lively shishimai (Japanese-style lion dance) for good luck, accompanied by Kinnara Taiko. Reserved seating for members.