41st Annual Kotohajime: Hatsu-Akebono 初曙 (First Dawn)
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Description
JACCC is pleased to present the 41st Annual Kotohajime virtually on January 1, 2024 at 2 pm. We invite the public to join this free virtual event as JACCC celebrates new beginnings.
In 1983, Hirokazu Kosaka, JACCC Master Artist Residence, shot the first arrow of Kotohajime 事始め. The event has grown to become JACCC’s signature New Year’s celebration. Meaning “the beginning of things”, the memorable 41st Kotohajime will celebrate 2024, the Year of the Dragon, with the theme Hatsu-Akebono (First Dawn). In Japan, dragons represent fortune and are also messengers of the gods. The Dragon symbolizes power, nobleness, and honor.
This year, we will present a tea ceremony in fields full of poppy flowers at dawn, Kimono Organization Nadeshiko-kai, and the Los Angeles Kyudo Kai who are celebrating their 108th anniversary in Little Tokyo.
Funded in part by the generosity of The Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation and the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), City of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Kyudo Kai
Hirokazu Kosaka leads the Los Angeles Kyudo Kai to perform the 41st Annual Kotohajime. Founded in 1916 in Little Tokyo (the current location of the L.A. police station), the group will celebrate its 106th anniversary. The Art of Archery is both sacred and tangible. Dating back to the 11th Century, it has been used as an art of purification in ceremonies within the Imperial Court of Japan, Buddhist temples, and shrines. To accomplish a perfect shot, one must take immediate action without any intervening thoughts. The Los Angeles Kyudo Kai regularly meets at the Angeles Gate Dojo in San Pedro.
Nadeshiko Kai
Nadeshiko Kai, Japanese Culture & Traditions, Inc., is a volunteer-run non-profit organization that was established in 2011 to promote and preserve Japanese culture and traditions by Ms. Takako Sasaki. They strive to honor and serve the communities of culturally diverse groups in the greater Los Angeles area. Its members and volunteers participate in events and perform various functions whose purpose is to promote and transmit Japanese culture, specifically the kimono culture, to the communities as well as to the next generation. The organization covers a broad range of activities, such as helping other Japanese organizations and events. They are very proud of its Coming-of-Age Ceremony, a long-held tradition in Japan that celebrates everyone who reaches 20 years old.
They plan to continue activities in the Los Angeles area so that people will be well acquainted with and appreciate the beautiful Japanese culture, especially kimono culture.
They plan to continue activities in the Los Angeles area so that people will be well acquainted with and appreciate the beautiful Japanese culture, especially kimono culture.