2025: 42nd Annual Kotohajime: Hatsu-U (初卯) First Crop: Honors Ancient Japanese Custom of Offering 1st Harvest to the Gods in Gratitude - JACCCNEW

Kotohajime: Hatsu-Ho 初 (First Crop). Ring in the New Year with JACCC's 42nd Annual Kotohajime, a celebration of Japanese tradition, renewal, and hope for the year ahead. This virtual event is free to stream on JACCC.org.

This year’s theme, Hatsu-Ho (First Crop), honors the Japanese tradition of offering the first harvest to the gods, symbolizing gratitude and anticipation for abundance.

Date & Time
January 1, 2024, at 1:00 pm

This virtual event is free to stream on JACCC.org.

Performers
Nobuko Fukatsu: Biwa (lute) performance of Heike Monogatari
Kansuma Kai: Traditional Nihon Buyo (Japanese classical dance)
Los Angeles Kyudo Kai: Kyudo (Japanese archery) demonstration
Nadeshiko Kai: Japanese kimono culture showcase

Thank You to Our Supporters
This event is supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, The Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation, and in-kind partners like Mutual Trading Co., Sho Chiku Bai, and Yamajirushi.

Celebrate Japanese culture with music, dance, art, and tradition. Don’t miss this unforgettable event!

See All New Years Festivals

About Annual Kotohajime: Hatsu-U (初卯)  
The Annual Kotohajime: Hatsu-U (初卯), or First of the Year, is a traditional Japanese event that marks the beginning of a new year. It usually occurs in January or early February, and celebrates the arrival of spring.

During this special time, people gather to observe ceremonies and rituals that honor the gods and bring good luck for the upcoming year. Special foods are prepared, such as mochi (rice cakes) stuffed with sweet beans, seaweed soup and a variety of fish dishes. Traditional decorations are also put up in homes and establishments to signify prosperity and happiness.

In some areas, special events such as processions, dances, and plays are held to mark the occasion. People dress in traditional Japanese clothing and parade through the streets, carrying banners and playing music.

At the end of the day, people come together for a communal feast where they exchange gifts and offer prayers for peace and prosperity. It is an important tradition that serves as a reminder of Japan’s deep cultural heritage, and is a joyous occasion to be enjoyed by all.

The Annual Kotohajime: Hatsu-U (初卯) is an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture firsthand and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the beginning of a new year. 

Event Title
2025: 42nd Annual Kotohajime: Hatsu-U (初卯) First Crop: Honors Ancient Japanese Custom of Offering 1st Harvest to the Gods in Gratitude - JACCC