Japanese | Julie Moree's News Watch

Calligraphy was on display for the community to learn how to read Japanese.

And the historical society had images from the decades.

The iconic bonsai tree was in one of the building to purchase and take home.

Communal dancing was the highlight of the two day festival.

Of course Sushi was the popular food of choice for many.

Kids were entertained with being able to decorate their own mask in the arts and crafts area.

All were encouraged to participate whether one knew the steps or not.

A drum circle kept time as dancers circled the hard top floor.

Of couse cultural dancers dressed the part as they danced with all.

Various collections of Japanese Dolls enticed people to marvel at in the air conditioning.

Even a hello kitty was dressed for the occasion.

And those that wished could simply sit and reflect on those long past.

There was a little gambling as residents predicted the outcome of a ball toss.

Whatever color the ball landed on won all the coins.

Inside residents could do a little more betting with a friendly game of bingo for a dollar a card.

Or they could do a little more shopping at the Flea market inside.

January 31, 2017

Riverside Welcomes The Rooster

At 10 o’clock, the parade of nations marched down market street toward the days festivities.

All Asian Cultures were encouraged to come out and take place in this momentous occasion.

Even the taiko drummers marched regally down the street demonstrating their talents.

And of course the Riverside fire department was there to show their support and keep every one safe.

Vendors including Farm Fresh to you, were along the street entising people to try their services.

While others offered free things like face painting for all.

This year markets the year of the Fire rooster and it just so happens to fall on the first official day of the new year.

Red lanterns lined the street for the occasion.

And of course asian decor displayed at the booths.

Sample of tea made while you waited at the tables.

And Origami was demonstrated for those brave enough to try.

Residents got into the spirit by embracing their own asian roots including asian pacific islanders with their ukeleles.

Residents could even learn chinese as well as japanese chalegraphy.

And the CHP kept us safe by reminding that they are our friends.

In the children’s villiage, there was a petting zoo where children could enjoy a little animal therapy.

And anyone could create their own doll, necklace or lantern in the arts and crafts area.

The sun began to set around 6 and the lanterns illuminated the streets to get ready for the fireworks at 645.

June 28, 2016June 28, 2016

Obon Festival In The San Fernando Valley

On the last weekend in June, the Obon festival took place at the Japanese American Center in Pacoima, California. It was a night of authentic style food, dancing and more as thousands came out to pay their respects to past generations and to get in touch with their Japanese roots.

The Japanese American Community Center hosted a 2-day event for the community to come out and experience authentic Japanese food, dancing and games on the last weekend in June.

The main purpose of the Obon Festival was to bring the community together for a time of reflection and gratitude to past generations.

Residents could view various bonzai trees on display at the festival.

Seasoned dancers invited the community to join in a night of communal dancing.

Young and mature dancers gathered together in rhythm

Taiko drummers kept the beat for the night’s festivities.

There were also games where people could try their look in winning a prize.

And handcrafted dolls entranced crowds as they marveled at the detail and authenticity of the collections.

Even select proverbs as the “see no evil” collection, showed a diversity in the doll collection.

Children were able to create their own Japanese themed bookmarks in the kid’s area.

And Senior crafts were on display in the hall for reasonable prices of only a few dollars.

And Bingo was the highlight of the senior craft area as the community came out to try their luck for just one dollar per card.

Homemade donuts by a local foursquare church enticed people to try for only 2 dollars a bag.

And of course people could partake of Japanese style Udon in the kitchen.

February 2, 2015

Riverside Celebrates The Year of The Goat

Gong Xi Fa Cai! (Happy New Year)

Asians in Riverside, Calif., brought in the Year of the Goat at the fifth Annual Asian Pacific Lunar New Year on Saturday January, 31st, 2015. There were lots of cultural entertainment all day as well as a health expo, Children’s Village where kids could make their own sheep and much more for everyone to experience.

The city of Riverside is a strong supporter of Asians and the Lunar New Year Celebration.

Taiko Drummers captivated audiences with their passion.

Young Children in their cultural wear, marched down Mission Inn Street as firecrackers welcomed the new year.

A half hour show entertained audiences and transported them to the islands of the Asian Pacific.

Keeping with the Asian theme, most of the costumes were some form of Japanese Anime.

From the popular Disney film frozen, this rendition of Elsa was part of the Cosplay fashion show.

To conclude the evening’s festivities, fireworks were shot off from the library roof.

Watch the video now, to see and hear just how residents started the New Year, the year of the goat.

January 8, 2015

Oshogatsu Family Festival Celebrates 2015 Year of the Sheep in Los Angeles

On the first Sunday of 2015, residents of Little Tokyo came out to the Japanese American National Museum for a day of family time while they brought in the new year with the year of the sheep.

The Oshogatsu Family Festival invited people of all ages to ring in the new year with fun Japanese Traditions.

This year, the year of the sheep symbolizes peace and harmony

At the sheep making table, children could create one of their own to take home.

Daruma dolls helped children to set their own goals and wishes for the upcoming new year.

Sheep balloons further spread the new year cheer to residents in the area.

Hello Kitty, herself, made an appearance as people walked her exhibits in the “Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty” Exhibit.

The free exhibit, “Common Ground” allowed residents to explore different documents and photographs collected by the museum that chronicles nearly 130 years of Japanese American History.

The festivities went from 11 to 5 and allowed all to experience the museum for free while remembering all that Japanese Americans endured over 70 years ago. There was also the World of Hello Kitty which one could experience for an additional fee.

Outside the museum, there was still more fun with Lucky Soba noodles, which one could sample as a sign of good luck for the new year.

Kids had a variety of different crafts to experience including making their own Daruma Doll, learning the art of origami and even creating their own sheep out of colorful yarn, while they had a blow up sheep balloon that they could take home for the new year.

The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 11-5 for just nine dollars. For more information visit the website here.

January 31, 2013

Welcoming The Year of The Snake

On Saturday, January 26, residents in Downtown Riverside, prepare for the Lunar Chinese New Year with a parade and festival celebrating the upcoming Year of the Snake.

Cultures such as Japanese, Korean and Chinese were honored at the event.

According to ancient Chinese wisdom, the year of the snake is said to bring a good omen to people, where “the family will not starve.”

Watch now, to learn more about Asian Pacific culture.

The Year of the Snake officially begins on February 10, 2013.

May 13, 2012November 12, 2012

Japanese Anime In An American Way

In the heart of Los Angeles, Calif. lies a dream of 28 year old Christian Leath. His passion is the artistry of Japanese Anime. His current project, six years in the making, is the story of a young girl in Japan who uses martial arts to survive with her current status. It’s a Japanese story, but Leath says, it’s read in an American way, meaning from left to right. Leath hopes to one day take his book to a publisher and get it out to bookstores.

Tag: Japanese

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