The JACCC’s signature New Year’s celebration Kotohajime welcomes in the Year of the Rat with the mesmerizing and visually stunning performance Hatsu-mukashi (First-long ago). Hatsu-mukashi promises to move audience members with it’s daring blend of traditional and contemporary arts arranged and led by Hirokazu Kosaka featuring famed Japanese dancer Kocho, and a 1,000 year-old rite of purification conducted by Zen archery group IKKYU. This year’s Kotohajime also celebrates the exciting new partnership between the JACCC and The Colburn School. Sunday January 6 2008 1pm JACCC Plaza   Free Admission Kotohajime Flyer pdf Kotohajime Video clip - Windows Media, or Quicktime Kotohajime Press Release pdf
	Continue the customs of the Japanese New Year and bring your favorite child (children) to this one-day workshop to learn about the symbols and traditions surrounding Oshogatsu or Japanese New Year. Hands-on craft activities and workshops as well as demonstrations led by local artists will be offered. Workshops are designed for children ages 7 to 12. Registration is limited to 30 participants per session, pre-registration is required. Session 1: Thursday December 27 2007 10am to 3pm Session 2: Friday December 28 2007 10am to 3pm JACCC Center Building, Second Floor Conference Rooms $30 General Public / $25 JACCC Members For more information or to register, please contact Jessie Kikuchi at (213) 628-2725 ext. 142 or jkikuchi@jaccc.org. Oshogatsu Workshops Press Release pdf
	The JACCC presents the 10th Annual Shikishi Exhibition, one of the most interesting and popular annual exhibitions in Los Angeles today. Open to anyone with a creative spark, this exhibit features original work by dignitaries, athletes, artists, children, seniors and members of the community. The Shikishi (Japanese Greeting Card) on display interpret this year’s theme of Hatsu-mukashi (First–Long Ago) as well as references to the Year of the Rat, the animal that sits atop the 12-year Lunar Calendar cycle. January 6 – March 2 2008 George J. Doizaki Gallery / North Gallery Saturday & Sunday 11am - 4pm Tuesday – Friday 12 noon - 5pm Free Admission Shikishi Press Release pdf Shikishi Submission Form pdf
	JACCC programs are made possible in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. Significant in-kind support is provided by American Airlines. The Rafu Shimpo and KCSI – TV LA 18 are Media Sponsors.