Little Tokyo's Oshogatsu 2014

Above, a taiko drummer performs at the opening ceremonies. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As planned, I headed to Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles this morning for their annual Oshogatsu celebration.

It is nice to get out and about and browse around the different shops in Little Tokyo and the various booths set up for the festival.

Above, the taiko drummers in Weller Court. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The opening ceremonies were held in Weller Court which included taiko drummers. The festival was officially opened once the ceremonial sake barrels were broken.

Above, former Assemblyman Paul Bannai and Armand.

While there, I had a reunion with a former boss, former California State Assemblyman Paul T. Bannai. At 93, he is still active (sort of a "Nisei Energizer Bunny") and he was running round shooting photographs. He was elected as a California State Assemblyman in a special election in 1973 in the Hawthorne-Gardena-Lawndale areas of Los Angeles County. I served in his district office as Field Representative. He was finally defeated in 1980 (as a Republican, it was amazing that he was in office so long in a predominately Democrat district). Following this, he became Chief Memorial Affairs Director for the National Cemetery System of the Veterans Administration. He was appointed to this position by President Reagan.

A block away, the Kimono Club's Miss Kimono contest was held in the courtyard of the Japanese Village Plaza.

Above, contestants of the Miss Kimono Contest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I mentioned previously, there were many booths set up for the festival, including those for cell phones, arts & crafts, Little Tokyo Historical Society and Japanese food & drinks. Anime Jungle had some Bandai 6" Godzilla toys for sale at their booth.

Above, Anime Jungle's booth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There were many things I was tempted to buy, but I figured I'd wait until I am in Japan before going on a spending spree. I did manage to buy a 2014 Japanese calendar and five sets of chopsticks.

Above, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent one of his troops to recruit for
foot soldiers to defend the Senkaku Islands against China. Just kidding.
Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I managed to conduct some business while in Little Tokyo. I spoke with Kinokuniya Books and they want me to contact them once the updated The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan is ready. They carry the current edition.

If you happen to be in Los Angeles during next year's New Year's Day, it would be worth your while to attend the Little Tokyo Oshogatsu.