The Oshogatsu Family Festival is a vibrant celebration of Japanese New Year in Los Angeles. This beloved annual tradition, happening on Sunday, January 11, 2026, marks the welcoming of the Year of the Horse. The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) organizes this exciting event, a cornerstone of Little Tokyo events. With free admission, the Oshogatsu Family Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering a fantastic opportunity for families to immerse themselves in Japanese traditions.
Experiencing Japanese Traditions in Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo, a historic downtown Los Angeles district, serves as the perfect backdrop for the Oshogatsu Family Festival. This area, deeply rooted in Japanese American history, remains a vital cultural hub. The Oshogatsu Family Festival is a prime example of the rich Japanese traditions celebrated here. As part of the “JANM on the Go” series, while JANM’s main pavilion is under renovation, this festival offers a brilliant avenue for community engagement and continues the legacy of Los Angeles festivals.
Celebrating the Year of the Horse at the Oshogatsu Family Festival
The year 2026 heralds the Year of the Horse in the Japanese zodiac, symbolizing energy, speed, freedom, and passion. This theme invigorates the Oshogatsu Family Festival, encouraging bold decisions and embracing new challenges. Attendees can engage with horse-inspired crafts, including folding origami horses and creating rocking paper plate horses, adding a unique element to the Oshogatsu Family Festival experience.
A Day of Diverse Activities and Performances at the Oshogatsu Family Festival
The Oshogatsu Family Festival presents a wealth of attractions for all ages. Witness the traditional mochitsuki performance by Kodama Taiko, pounding rice and creating mochi to dynamic taiko rhythms. Be amazed by candy sculpting demonstrations from Shan Ichiyanagi, also known as Shan the Candyman, who frequently crafts zodiac animals. The festival also features the captivating blend of art forms by calligrapher and dancer Kuniharu Yoshida. Musical performances by the JANM Band and Ukuleles for Little Tokyo, along with Prota Taiko and other groups, promise a lively atmosphere at this year’s Oshogatsu Family Festival.
Engaging Family Fun and Culinary Delights at the Oshogatsu Family Festival
Designed for maximum family engagement, the Oshogatsu Family Festival includes interactive storytimes and a stamp rally with prize opportunities. Enjoy comedic improv from Cold Tofu, a thrilling kendo demonstration, and the Discover Nikkei activity exploring family and food heritage. Visitors can also contribute to a pop-up Wish Wall, celebrating the U.S.’s 250th birthday. Crucially, delicious traditional Japanese food will be available, a vital component of Japanese New Year and Oshogatsu celebrations, bringing these cultural elements together at the Oshogatsu Family Festival.
Planning Your Visit to the Oshogatsu Family Festival
The Oshogatsu Family Festival is hosted at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, located at 244 S. San Pedro Street in the heart of Little Tokyo. Admission to this vibrant event is free, though advance tickets are recommended. For tickets and more information on this key JANM cultural event, visit janm.org/events. The Japanese American National Museum eagerly anticipates welcoming you to this memorable Oshogatsu Family Festival, a perfect opportunity to experience Japanese culture and foster community spirit within the broader landscape of Los Angeles festivals.
