Celebrate the New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse during the Japanese American National Museum’s 2026 Oshogatsu Family Festival at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center! The 2026 festival includes free crafts, performances, and cultural activities for all ages.
- Traditional mochitsuki (Japanese rice pounding ritual) performance by Kodama Taiko
- Candy sculpture demonstrations by Shan Ichiyanagi (Shan the Candyman)
- Souvenir photos by Mighty Little Studio
- Fun Oshogatsu and Year of the Horse–inspired crafts and origami
…and so much more
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We look forward to seeing you there!
Special perks available for JANM Members!
Check in when you arrive to get a Member sticker and take advantage of all the benefits! Not a current Member? JOIN NOW
Scroll down below to see schedule of activities and performances. Check back for updates.
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Activities
CANDY SCULPTURE DEMONSTRATION
Watch Shan Ichiyanagi (Shan the Candyman) make candy in the shape of horses and other animals of the Asian zodiac. The finished pieces will be offered as prizes for kids participating in the stamp rally.
PHOTO BOOTH
Grab some fun props from Mighty Little Studio and take a souvenir photo with friends and family.
Express lane for Members!
RUTHIE’S ORIGAMI CORNER
Learn to fold an origami horse!
This activity is named in honor of JANM Volunteer Ruthie Kitagawa (1937–2020), who led origami activities for many years.
ROCKING PAPER PLATE HORSE CRAFT
Celebrate the year of the horse by creating your very own rocking horse out of a paper plate!
STAMP RALLY
Complete our stamp rally by visiting select tabling organizations for a chance to win some prizes!
While supplies last. Members receive two chances to win!
JANM STORE FUKUBUKURO SALE
Our popular fukubukuro (lucky grab bags) will be available for purchase. Shop with us at the festival, and shop online during JANM on the Go.
While supplies last.
WISH WALL
The US is celebrating its 250th birthday next year. What is your wish for the United States? Add your wish to the Democracy Center’s pop-up “Wish Wall”!
DISCOVER NIKKEI ACTIVITY
Discover Nikkei is JANM’s community-based website exploring Nikkei family stories, culture, and more from around the world. Participate in a creative activity exploring family and foods!
Schedule
11:00 AM - 11:10 AM
JANM BAND
Sing along and celebrate the beginning of a new year.
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
UKULELES FOR LITTLE TOKYO
In partnership with Sustainable Little Tokyo, this program emphasizes intergenerational and intercultural engagement while preserving and celebrating Japanese heritage through the joyful art of music.
Reserved seating for Members!
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
COLD TOFU IMPROV AND COMEDY GROUP
Enjoy a performance by the nation’s longest running, Asian American improv and sketch comedy group Cold Tofu as they improvise scenes and games based on audience suggestions.
Reserved seating for Members!
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
KODAMA TAIKO PERFORMANCE
Making fresh mochi is a beloved Japanese new year tradition. Join Kodama Taiko for their unique mochitsuki (rice pounding) demonstration, which incorporates taiko drumming.
Reserved seating for Members!
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
CALLIGRAPHY PERFORMANCE
Calligrapher and dancer Kuniharu Yoshida collaborates with artists to combine sublime arts, merging traditional with the contemporary.
Reserved seating for Members!
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
KENDO DEMONSTRATION
Learn about kendo with a demonstration led by Sho Tokyo Kendo Dojo, a member dojo of the Southern California Kendo Federation.
Reserved seating for Members!
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
KODAMA TAIKO PERFORMANCE
Making fresh mochi is a beloved Japanese new year tradition. Join Kodama Taiko for their unique mochitsuki (rice pounding) demonstration, which incorporates taiko drumming.
Reserved seating for Members!