Ema Workshop at Japan Foundation: from left: Kaoru Kuribayashi, Program Officer of Japan Foundation, Rev. Yuryu Mori, minister of Los Angeles Koyasan Buddhist Temple, and staff from Koyasan Temple. (Photo Credit: Facebook/Japan Foundation Los Angeles)
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Japan Foundation Los Angeles (JFLA) auditorium was filled with festive spirit as people gathered for the “Celebrate the New Year: Write Your Wish on an Ema” workshop. The event, attended by approximately 65 participants, offered a unique opportunity for Angelenos to experience authentic Japanese New Year customs.
The workshop featured Rev. Yuryu Mori from the Los Angeles Koyasan Buddhist Temple in Little Tokyo, who introduced attendees to Japanese traditions such as Hatsumode—the first shrine visit of the year—and the cultural significance of Ema, wooden plaques on which wishes are written. This year’s Ema designs showcased the 2026 zodiac animal, the Horse, alongside the Seven Lucky Gods, adding a special touch to the wishes inscribed by participants.
In addition to writing wishes, guests enjoyed drawing Omikuji fortune slips and received traditional charms and hamaya arrows, believed to bring good luck and ward off misfortune. The event fostered a warm and peaceful atmosphere, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and Buddhist seasonal traditions.
Organized by the Japan Foundation Los Angeles, the workshop is part of ongoing efforts to introduce Japanese customs to people in Los Angeles. Organizers expressed deep gratitude to Rev. Mori, minister from Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin, and all who contributed to the event’s success, emphasizing the value of cultural exchange and community engagement.
