Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with events in Little Tokyo. (photo courtesy of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California)

Ring in the 2023 new year, the Year of the Rabbit, with two free, family-friendly events in Little Tokyo presented by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California on Sunday, Jan. 1, and The Japanese American National Museum on Sunday, Jan. 8.

Known as Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year is one of the most significant holidays in Japanese culture. Celebrate the first weekend of the new year by indulging in the sights, cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and guests of all ages.

Experience all the magic of a traditional Japanese New Year with a full day of cultural events presented by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California. Bring the whole family to enjoy an energetic day in Little Tokyo filled with live entertainment and cultural activities including Mochitsuki, a Shamisen Show and a Kimono Fashion Show! For information, visit littletokyola.org/calendar. The event goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Japanese Village Plaza on Jan. 1.

Ring in the new year at the Japanese American National Museum’s annual Oshogatsu Family Festival with Year of the Rabbit-inspired crafts, origami, scavenger hunt and candy sculpture demonstrations by Shan Ichiyanagi. Join in person to experience cultural activities and live outdoor musical performances performed by Kodama Taiko. RSVPs are strongly recommended. Those who RSVP and scan their ticket at the JANM membership table at the Oshogatsu Family Festival will be entered into a drawing for an exclusive JANM gift bag. For information, visit janm.org/events. The event will start at 11 a.m. and go until 5 p.m. at the Japanese American National Museum on Jan. 8.

The Japanese Village Plaza is located at 335 E. Second St. The Japanese American National Museum is located at 100 Central Ave.