Published on March 30, 2026
As 2019 approaches, communities across the United States are preparing to celebrate Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year. This vibrant festival, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, offers a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in traditions, food, and festivities associated with the New Year.
Oshogatsu, which typically spans from January 1st to January 3rd, is a time for family gatherings, reflection, and the hope for prosperity in the coming year. One of the key elements of this celebration is the consumption of traditional foods, including mochi (rice cakes), ozoni (a soup with mochi and vegetables), and various sweet treats. Many of these dishes hold symbolic meanings tied to health, wealth, and happiness.
In Florida, the Japanese New Year Celebration at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach is a highlight of the season. On January 5th, the festival will feature craft workshops, traditional music, and food demonstrations, making it an interactive experience for families looking to learn more about the rich traditions of Oshogatsu.
Texas will also embrace the spirit of the New Year with the 2019 Japanese New Year Festival at the San Antonio Japanese Tea Gardens. Scheduled for January 12th, this event will showcase live performances, tea ceremonies, and a marketplace filled with handcrafted goods. Attendees can enjoy tasting traditional Japanese foods while learning about various Oshogatsu customs.
The festivities extend to California, where the annual Oshogatsu Family Festival will take place at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles on January 13th. This event promises a full day of entertainment, including cultural performances, children’s activities, and demonstrations of calligraphy and origami. It provides a platform for visitors to engage with the Japanese American community and understand the significance of the New Year’s celebration.
In Hawaii, where Japanese cultural influences are prominent, the Oshogatsu Festival at the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce will be held on January 6th. This lively event is filled with food stalls, live music, and community activities, bringing together locals to celebrate and honor their heritage with pride.
Oregon’s community will come together for the annual New Year’s celebration at the Portland Japanese Garden. Taking place on January 5th, the festivities will include traditional Japanese music, art exhibitions, and the opportunity to participate in mochi pounding, a fun and interactive activity for all ages.
Finally, New York will celebrate Oshogatsu with events organized Society in Manhattan on January 12th. Here, families can enjoy an array of educational workshops, music and dance performances, and various traditional New Year’s activities, all designed to enrich participants’ understanding of Japanese culture.
The diverse range of Oshogatsu events across the United States invites everyone to join in the festivities and embrace the shared values of family, renewal, and hope that characterize the New Year. As we celebrate 2019, these festivals not only allow individuals to honor Japanese traditions but also encourage cultural exchange and community bonding.
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