Happy crowds enjoyed the Oshogatsu Family Festival in historic Little Tokyo district
Published January 11, 2026, 11:33 PM
The Japanese American National Museum in the historic Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles hosted its popular Oshogatsu Family Festival on Sunday, drawing happy crowds who enjoyed the traditional mochitsuki performance by drumming group Kodama Taiko, where sweet sticky rice is pounded into a smooth and elastic dough to the beat of taiko drums. Mochitsuki is a cherished tradition symbolizing gratitude, hope for prosperity, and strengthening community bonds through shared effort.
Another drumming group, Prota Taiko, was a favorite for its innovative, high-energy taiko performance.
John Esaki performs for the crowd during the Japanese American National Museum New Year celebration on January 11,2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Dendra Campos works on a paper crane during the Japanese American National Museum New Year celebration on January 11,2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
(L-r) Hannah Garduno, Kendra Campos and Diana Figueroa make paper cranes during the Japanese American National Museum New Year celebration on January 11,2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
(L-r) Sadie,4, and Amara Takanashi,6, pose for a photo for their mom during the Japanese American National Museum New Year celebration on January 11,2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Prota Taiko performs as the Japanese American National Museum celebrated the New Year on January 11,2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Children work on craft projects during the Japanese American National Museum New Year celebration on January 11,2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Shan Ichiyanagi made these candy sculptures during the Japanese American National Museum New Year celebration on January 11,2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
The crowd applauds during the Japanese American National Museum New Year celebration on January 11,2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
1 of 8
John Esaki performs for the crowd during the Japanese American National Museum New Year celebration on January 11,2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Expand
New Yearâs Day, or Oshogatsu, is one of Japanâs longest and most important holidays. The 2026 festival in Los Angeles included free crafts, performances, and cultural activities to ring in the Year of the Horse. The festival is part of âJANM on the Go,â the museumâs schedule of special exhibitions, public programs and family festivals.
JANMâs Pavilion is closed for renovation until late 2026. But programs will continue on the JANM campus and other locations at janm.org/OnTheGo.
