Published on April 10, 2026
As the calendar year comes to a close, communities across the United States are preparing to celebrate the Japanese New Year, known as Oshogatsu. This festival, which typically begins on January 1, offers a festive opportunity to embrace Japanese culture and heritage through a variety of traditions, activities, and culinary delights. From coast to coast, cities will host events that highlight the significance of this cherished celebration.
In Florida, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of South Florida will kick off the New Year with a vibrant Oshogatsu Festival on January 5. Attendees can look forward to traditional music, dance performances, and hands-on activities, including origami and calligraphy workshops. Food lovers will enjoy sampling must-try dishes like mochi, a rice cake often enjoyed during January festivities.
Texas is set to host several community gatherings, with the largest event taking place in Houston. The Houston Japanese Festival, scheduled for January 12, invites families to participate in cultural workshops and enjoy performances drummers. Special emphasis will be placed on the art of making and eating ozoni, a traditional soup made with mochi, which symbolizes prosperity for the New Year.
Meanwhile, in California, the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Los Angeles will celebrate Oshogatsu with a festival that spans the weekend of January 19-20. This event will feature an array of traditional foods, including sweet black soybeans called kuromame, which are eaten for good health and longevity. Visitors can also engage in games like hanetsuki, a badminton-like game traditionally played during New Year’s festivities.
Hawaii, known for its deep-rooted connection to Japanese culture, will truly celebrate Oshogatsu with a week-long series of events throughout January. The largest celebration occurs in Honolulu, where the annual New Year’s festival at the Japanese Cultural Center will showcase martial arts, cultural demonstrations, and community blessings. The festival creates a festive atmosphere with the ringing of bells to symbolize the new beginnings.
In Oregon, the city of Portland will host its own version of the celebration at the Oregon Japanese Gardens. Scheduled for January 1, the event features family-friendly art and storytelling programs, allowing attendees to learn more about traditional practices such as the Japanese tea ceremony. The garden setting provides a serene backdrop for reflection and connection to culture as families welcome the New Year.
New York City will not be left out of the festivities, with the Japanese New Year celebration at the Japan Society on January 6. This event combines artistic performances and culinary experiences, offering attendees a chance to enjoy live music while sampling traditional New Year dishes. Participants can also partake in interactive workshops that allow them to learn about new year customs, including the important practice of sending new year’s cards, known as nengajo.
Oshogatsu embodies a time for family reunion, reflection, and hope for the year ahead. Whether it’s making mochi, participating in community activities, or simply appreciating Japanese traditions, the New Year celebrations across the United States will allow everyone to share in the joy of Oshogatsu, bringing together diverse communities and fostering a spirit of togetherness as they welcome 2019.