FREE* ALL DAY!
Oshogatsu is one of JANM’s biggest events of the year. Celebrate the Year of the Sheep with arts and crafts, food, cultural activities, and performances!
- Candy art demonstration and raffle with Shan Ichiyanagi
- Exciting performances by Taikoza and UniverSoul Hip Hop
- Rice pounding, taiko drumming, and mochi sampling with Kodama Taiko
- Special appearance by Hello Kitty
…and so much more!
See below for complete schedule!
*Free admission does not include Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty.
Sponsor: 
Media Sponsor: 
Activities
Daruma Doll Craft Table
Make your own daruma doll, a popular Japanese tradition, to help you set your goals and wishes for the new year.
Sheep Craft Table
Make your own fun sheep out of yarn and construction paper.
Ruthie’s Origami Corner
JANM volunteer Ruthie Kitagawa leads a Year of the Sheep origami workshop.
New Year Activity Booth
Fun activities for the whole family hosted by Asian Pacific Women’s Center, nonprofit dedicated to providing a safe haven and support services for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence.
Toddler Room
A fun and safe place for our youngest guests and their adult guardians to play.
Schedule
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Storytime
Join JANM volunteer Kathryn Madara as she reads from How the Years Were Named, a story about the animals of the Asian zodiac.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MEMBERS ONLY Osechi-Ryori Tasting
At this exclusive activity for JANM members, taste a selection of traditional Japanese New Year foods—including various sweets and vegetables—and learn about what each dish means. Get in line early because the tasting will only last as long as supplies last!
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Sheep Balloons
Balloon Monsoon will create and give away balloons in the shape of sheep. (For children only, while supplies last.)
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sheep Candy Sculptures
Shan Ichiyanagi will demonstrate the ancient, and now rarely practiced, Asian folk art of candy sculpting, as he makes candy in the shape of sheep. The finished pieces will be raffled off throughout the day. Members get double raffle tickets!
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Storytime
Join JANM volunteer Kathryn Madara as she reads from How the Years Were Named, a story about the animals of the Asian zodiac.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Performance by Taikoza
Taikoza, a group that uses traditional Japanese instruments to create an exciting contemporary sound, will present a performance featuring koto (zither) and shakuhachi (flute). Reserved seating for members!
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Petting Zoo
Meet real live sheep and their goat friends at our Oshogatsu petting zoo, brought to you by Jessie’s Party Animals. Members’ Express Line will be in effect! (For children only. Line ends at 3:30 p.m.)
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Lucky Soba Noodles
Kidding Around the Kitchen will give out sample bowls of lucky zaru soba (buckwheat noodles) to bring good health in the New Year.
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hello Kitty
Say “Hello!” and share a hug with Hello Kitty herself, the star of JANM’s exhibition Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty. Members’ Express Line will be in effect!
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Mochitsuki Demonstration by Kodama Taiko
Making fresh mochi is a beloved Japanese new year tradition. Join Kodama Taiko for their unique mochitsuki (rice pounding) demonstration, which incorporates taiko drumming, and enjoy delicious mochi samples.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Performance by UniverSoul Hip Hop
Watch an energetic performance from UniverSoul Hip Hop, a community-based group dedicated to educating and enriching youth by bringing hip hop dance and culture to K–12 classrooms. Reserved seating for members!
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Mochitsuki Demonstration by Kodama Taiko
Making fresh mochi is a beloved Japanese new year tradition. Join Kodama Taiko for their unique mochitsuki (rice pounding) demonstration, which incorporates taiko drumming, and enjoy delicious mochi samples.
