JANM to Celebrate Oshogatsu Family Festival and Launch JAN Mon the Go on Jan. 5

Experience Oshogatsu: A Celebration of Renewal and the Year of the Snake at JANM

Prepare for a day filled with cultural immersion and family fun as the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) in Los Angeles hosts its annual Oshogatsu Family Festival. This year’s celebration, taking place on

February 11th, coincides with the Lunar New Year and invites visitors to embrace the traditions and symbolism of the Year of the Snake.

OShogatsu: Embracing Renewal and Reflection

Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year, represents a time for reflection, renewal, and fresh beginnings. It’s a cherished holiday steeped in rich traditions and customs. JANM’s festival beautifully captures the essence of Oshogatsu, offering a vibrant tapestry of cultural experiences.

JANM on the Go: Expanding Horizons

Alongside the festive celebration, JANM is also launching an exciting new initiative called JANM on the Go. This program aims to bring the museum’s rich history and culture directly to communities throughout Southern California.

A Conversation with Naomi Takahashi: Bringing Oshogatsu to Life

To learn more about the festival and its significance, we spoke with Naomi Takahashi, JANM’s Cultural Programs Director. When asked about the importance of Oshogatsu, Takahashi explained, “Oshogatsu is a time for families to come together, celebrate their heritage, and look forward to the year ahead with hope and optimism.”

This year’s festival will feature special activities themed around the Year of the Snake. Visitors can anticipate engaging demonstrations, captivating performances, and interactive exhibits that shed light on the symbolism and folklore associated with this intriguing creature.

The Art of Mochitsuki: A Timeless Tradition

A highlight of the festival will be the mochitsuki presentation. Mochitsuki is the traditional Japanese practice of making mochi, a delicious sticky rice cake often enjoyed during Oshogatsu. Takahashi emphasizes the cultural significance of mochi, stating, “Mochi is not only a treat but a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the new year.”

“Common Ground”: A Final Farewell before Renovations

As JANM prepares for exciting renovations, visitors have one last opportunity to experience the museum’s original core exhibition, “Common Ground: The Heart of a Community.” This exhibition offers a poignant exploration of the Japanese American experience, from immigration to wartime internment and beyond.

Embracing the Symbolism of the Snake

According to Takahashi, “The snake in Japanese culture represents wisdom, conversion, and renewal.” Visitors are encouraged to reflect on these themes as they participate in the festival’s activities.

Join JANM for an unforgettable Oshogatsu celebration. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, embrace the spirit of renewal, and discover the interesting symbolism of the Year of the Snake.

Ring in the Year of the Snake at JANM’s Oshogatsu Festival

Get ready to celebrate the vibrant traditions of Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year, at the Japanese American national Museum (JANM). On January 5th, from 11 am to 5 pm, JANM will host its annual Oshogatsu family Festival, a festive celebration packed with cultural activities and entertainment for all ages.

A Feast of Fun and Cultural Discoveries

This year’s Oshogatsu festival offers a smorgasbord of engaging experiences. Children can delve into traditional crafts, try their hand at origami, and embark on a thrilling snake-themed scavenger hunt.

Be mesmerized by the artistry of candy sculptor Shan Ichiyanagi, also known as Shan the Candyman, who will craft intricate candy animals representing the Asian zodiac. Kids can even win these unique creations in the Kids’ Raffle. Witness the grace and discipline of Japanese martial art with a captivating Women in Kendo demonstration. For a dash of luck, grab a fukubukuro (lucky grab bag) at the JANM Store (while supplies last!).

Experience the unique fusion of rhythm and culinary tradition with a mochitsuki demonstration by Kodama Taiko. Watch as the dynamic beats of taiko drumming accompany the making of fresh mochi.

Oshogatsu: A Time for New Beginnings

Oshogatsu, one of Japan’s most cherished holidays, traditionally spans the entire month of January, with its heart beating strongest during the first three days (sanga nichi). It’s a time for families to gather, reflect on the past year, and embrace new beginnings. JANM’s Oshogatsu Family Festival beautifully embodies this spirit of renewal and cultural celebration.

JANM On the Go: Expanding Horizons

This year’s Oshogatsu marks the launch of JANM On the Go, an exciting initiative taking JANM’s programming beyond its physical walls. While JANM’s Pavilion undergoes renovation and reimagines its core exhibition, special exhibitions, public programs, family festivals, and education programs will continue both on the JANM campus and throughout Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, Southern California, and beyond.

January 5th will be the final opportunity to experience JANM’s original core exhibition, “Common ground: The Heart of a Community,” and other exhibitions before the Pavilion closes for renovation.

For more details about the Oshogatsu Family Festival and JANM On the Go, visit janm.org/oshogatsu2025 and janm.org/OnTheGo.

The Significance of Oshogatsu in Japanese Culture

Celebrating the Year of the Snake: An Interview with JANM’s Cultural Programs Director

Meet Naomi…

Celebrating Oshogatsu: A Year of the Snake Celebration at JANM

The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) is gearing up to welcome the Year of the snake with its annual Oshogatsu Family Festival, a vibrant celebration of Japanese New Year traditions. We spoke with Naomi Takahashi, JANM’s Cultural Programs Director, to learn about the festival’s significance and what visitors can expect this year.

Embracing the Spirit of Renewal

“Oshogatsu is one of Japan’s most cherished holidays,” explains Takahashi. “It symbolizes renewal, reflection, and new beginnings.Traditionally, it spans the entire month of January, but the first three days, known as _sanga nichi_, are especially meaningful.” She adds, “At JANM, we aim to encapsulate this spirit through our Oshogatsu family Festival. It’s a day filled with cultural activities, performances, and traditions that bring families together to celebrate the start of a new year.”

Experiencing the Year of the Snake

This year’s festival will feature a variety of engaging experiences themed around the Year of the Snake.Families can participate in a snake-themed scavenger hunt, try their hand at origami, and witness the ancient art of candy sculpting by the renowned Shan Ichiyanagi, also known as Shan the Candyman.

“He’ll be creating intricate candy animals from the Asian zodiac,” Takahashi shares, “and kids can win these unique creations in our Kids’ raffle.Additionally,we have a Women in Kendo demonstration,which showcases the discipline and grace of this traditional Japanese martial art.”

The cultural Significance of Mochitsuki

A highlight of the festival is the mochitsuki demonstration. Takahashi explains the cultural importance of this tradition: “mochitsuki, or mochi pounding, is a beloved New Year’s tradition in Japan.it involves pounding steamed glutinous rice into a sticky,chewy dough,which is then shaped into mochi.This process is often accompanied by the rhythmic beats of taiko drums,creating a festive atmosphere.

At JANM, Kodama Taiko will lead our mochitsuki demonstration, blending the sounds of taiko drumming with the making of fresh mochi. it’s a fantastic way to connect with Japanese culture and enjoy a tasty treat!

JANM on the Go: Bringing Culture to Life

This year also marks the launch of JANM on the Go, a new initiative designed to bring the museum’s educational programs and exhibitions to communities throughout Southern California.

Takahashi says, “Our goal is to make Japanese American history and culture accessible to a wider audience. We will be partnering with schools, community centers, and other organizations to offer interactive workshops, performances, and exhibits.”

Celebrating Oshogatsu: A Time for Renewal and Togetherness

As the new year approaches,the japanese American National museum (JANM) is gearing up to celebrate Oshogatsu,the traditional Japanese New Year,with its annual family festival.This year’s event promises a vibrant immersion in Japanese culture,honoring the Year of the Snake.

Bringing JANM to You: The JANM on the Go Initiative

while JANM’s Pavilion undergoes renovations, the museum is committed to reaching a wider audience through its exciting new initiative, JANM on the Go.

“It’s all about making Japanese american culture and history accessible to more people,” explains Naomi takahashi, JANM’s representative. This means expanding programming beyond the museum’s walls and into the heart of Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Southern California.

A Final Farewell to “Common Ground”

Before the Pavilion closes for renovations, visitors have one last chance to experience the powerful exhibition “Common Ground: The Heart of a Community.” This exhibition,which culminates on January 5th,chronicles the journey of Japanese Americans,from their early immigration to the challenges faced during World War II and beyond.

“It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of the Japanese American community,” says Takahashi. “We encourage everyone to visit and reflect on this critically important history”

Embracing the Spirit of the Snake

The Oshogatsu Family Festival offers a chance to welcome the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and renewal in the Asian zodiac. Takahashi suggests immersing yourself in the festivities, connecting with loved ones, and reflecting on the year ahead.

“Whether it’s through crafting, watching a performance, or enjoying a lucky fukubukuro grab bag, there are countless ways to welcome the Year of the Snake with joy and optimism,” she adds.

A Message of Hope for the New Year

As families prepare for Oshogatsu celebrations, Takahashi leaves a message of hope and togetherness: “Let’s welcome the Year of the Snake with open hearts and a sense of adventure!

For more details about the Oshogatsu Family Festival and JANM on the Go, visit janm.org/oshogatsu2025 and janm.org/OnTheGo.

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What types of programs and events will JANM on teh Go offer in Southern california communities?

Ams beyond the museum’s walls and into communities across Southern California. Through partnerships with schools, community centers, and cultural organizations, JANM on the Go will bring interactive workshops, performances, and exhibitions to diverse audiences. This initiative ensures that the museum’s mission of preserving and sharing Japanese American heritage continues to thrive, even during the renovation period.

Oshogatsu: A Celebration of Heritage and Renewal

Oshogatsu,the Japanese New Year,is a time for reflection,renewal,and togetherness. It is one of the most important holidays in Japanese culture, traditionally celebrated throughout the month of January, with the first three days (sanga nichi) holding special importance. Families gather to honour thier heritage, enjoy customary foods, and set intentions for the year ahead.

At JANM’s Oshogatsu Family Festival, visitors can experience the essence of this cherished holiday through a variety of activities and performances. From the rhythmic mochitsuki demonstration to the captivating Women in Kendo showcase, the festival offers something for everyone. The Year of the Snake theme adds an extra layer of intrigue, as participants explore the symbolism of wisdom, transformation, and renewal associated with this zodiac sign.

Final Chance to Experience “common Ground”

As JANM prepares for its renovation, the Oshogatsu Festival also marks the last chance to visit the museum’s original core exhibition, “Common Ground: The Heart of a Community.” This powerful exhibit chronicles the Japanese American experience, from early immigration to the challenges of wartime internment and the resilience of the community in the decades that followed. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing these stories for future generations.

Join the Celebration

Whether you’re a longtime supporter of JANM or new to Japanese culture, the Oshogatsu Family Festival is an event not to be missed. Immerse yourself in the traditions of Oshogatsu, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and take part in the spirit of renewal that defines this special time of year. Don’t forget to explore the JANM on the Go initiative and stay connected with the museum’s programs as they expand into new communities.

For more information about the Oshogatsu Family Festival and JANM on the Go, visit janm.org/oshogatsu2025 and janm.org/OnTheGo.

we look forward to celebrating the Year of the Snake with you and embracing the promise of new beginnings together!