Jan 1, 2026: 27th Annual Japanese New Year's Oshogatsu Festival Event - Little Tokyo, Japantown (2 Locations: Jan 1, 2025) Schedule is Here!NEW

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce will again be hosting its annual tradition of bringing in the New Year on January 1, 2026 at Weller Court and the Japanese Village Plaza in Little Tokyo, Japantown.

Japanese Chamber of Commerce to showcase the New Year Celebration Festival Event in Little Tokyo.

Experience the Japanese way of celebrating the New Year of 2026 in the heart of Southern California on January 1st. From entertainment, food, children’s cultural activities, and a sake fest, it is one of the most exciting events to take place in the Japanese community.

Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo will take place in Little Tokyo’s Weller Court and Japanese Village Plaza from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The event will feature traditional Japanese food, entertainment and cultural activities such as mochi making, a kimono fashion show, shamisen show, Kompo, and the list goes on!

The New Year celebration is organized by both JCCSC and JCCF. With the support from the Consul General of Japan, the Nisei Week court and various community members, we are very excited to introduce Japanese New Year and its traditions to the people of Southern California!

Festival Event Date
January 1, 2026

Check for updates

Festival Event Time
10:50 am - 4:10 pm

2 Locations for Little Tokyo New Years Events (Los Angeles)
1) Little Tokyo Weller Court: 10:50 am - 3:40 pm
2) Japanese Village Plaza, Little Tokyo: 12:30 am - 4:10 pm

Walking Map to Find Both Stages
Map: Weller Court Stage to Japanese Village Plaza Stage

New Years Tips
• Expect it to be crowded in the Little Tokyo area.
• Parking (Lots) can be found all around Little Tokyo
• Weller Court should have food booths.
• Japanese Village has food areas.


Official Program PDF 

2025 Little Tokyo New Years Program 

New Years Schedule at Weller Court
(Main & Larger Location)

Wednesday January 1, 2025: Weller Court
10:50 am Kick-off Taiko Drums (Taiko Center of L.A.)
11:00 am Opening Ceremony with Greetings and Sake Barrel Breaking-LAPD Helicopter Flyover
11:15 am Taiko Drum Performance (Taiko Center of L.A.)
11:25 am Lion Dance “Shishimai”
11:35 am Mochi-maki #1
11:40 am Calligraphy Demonstration (Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai)
12:00 pm Aikido (Toshikan Aikido)
12:25 pm Minyo & Odori (Matsutoyo Kai)
1:00 pm Shorinji Kempo
1:30 pm Kimono Contest & Fashion Show (LA Kimono Club)
1:55 pm Kendo Dojo (Sho Tokyo Kendo Dojo)
2:25 pm Kimono Contest Results Announcement
2:35 pm Team Kawachi Ondo
3:10 pm Mochi-maki JCCF/JCCSC Staff
3:20 pm Awa Odori Dance (Awa Odori members to lead Weller Court crowd to JVP for finale there)
3:40 pm Closing

New Years Schedule at Japanese Village Plaza
(Smaller Location)

Wednesday January 1, 2025: Japanese Village Plaza
12:30 pm Kick-off Taiko Drums (Taiko Center of L.A.)
12:40 pm Opening Ceremony with Greetings
12:55 pm Mochi-maki #1
1:00 pm Taiko Drum & Shishimai Performance
1:40 pm Minyo & Odori (Matsutoyo Kai)
2:15 pm Aikido (Toshikan Aikido)
3:15 pm Team Kawachi Ondo
3:50 pm Awa Odori Dance
4:15 pm Closing

More Japanese New Year Events
All 'Oshogatsu' New Years Events

Japantown Guides (Explore 2 Japantowns in Los Angeles)
• Little Tokyo, Los Angeles Guide: Best Restaurants, Attractions, Shops
• Sawtelle, West Los Angeles Guide: Best Restaurants, Attractions, Shops


Festival Event Title
Annual Japanese New Year's Oshogatsu Festival Event - Little Tokyo, Japantown (2 Locations - Jan 1st) Entertainment