Oshogatsu is the celebration of the Japanese New Year. Enjoy lively programs featuring Taiko drumming, Shishimai lion dance, Omikuji fortunes, and other exciting activities.

Visit the Japanese House exhibit—an authentic Kyoto home from the 1800s located on the Museum’s third floor to view special New Year’s decorations. Come together to welcome the Year of the Horse.

Exhibitions and Special Displays for Oshogatsu 2026

New Year’s Decorations in Kyo-no-Machiya 京の町家 (Japanese House, 3rd floor)
Visit the authentic house from Kyoto, Japan – Boston’s sister city. Enjoy the traditional Japanese New Year’s decorations around the house. See the sign in front of the exhibit for opening hours

Trees Make Happiness 2 (The Japanese House Gallery. 3rd floor)
Enjoy an art exhibition exploring life, happiness, and the natural world through the eyes of Japanese student artists. See the sign in front of the exhibit for opening hours. The Japanese House Gallery is only available when the Japanese House exhibit is open.

The Japanese Calligraphy Art Scrolls Display (Lobby, 1st floor)
Experience special New Year’s calligraphy! Shodo—Japanese calligraphy—is more than just writing; it’s an art form. Enjoy the expressive brushwork and vibrant energy of the artist.

Celebrating Local Students: Nengajo Contest 2026 (The Common, 2nd floor)
Look at the New Year’s cards on display, the winning artworks of the 2026 Nengajo Contest, organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Boston.

Programs & Activities

Celebrate Oshogatsu and Welcome Good Fortune in the New Year!
10:00 – 11:30 (The Common, 2nd floor)
Enjoy various hands-on activities, including – Omikuji, Daruma, and more!

Mihoko Textiles – Hands-on Weaving Experience Workshop with Mihoko Wakabayashi
10:10 – 11:00, 11:20 – 12:10, & 1:15 – 2:05 (Art Lab, 2nd floor)
Join Mihoko Wakabayashi, Japanese-born textile artist, for a 50-minute workshop. Try a Japanese weaving technique and create your own fabric.
VERY limited space is available. Please sign up in front of the Art Lab.
This workshop is for visitors ages 6+ and their grown-ups.

Shishimai Lion Dance by Steve & Ako
11:30 – 11:45 (The Japanese House, 3rd floor)
1:50 – 2:10 (The Common, 2nd floor)
The Japanese Shishimai lion is believed to bring good luck. Enjoy this lively performance by Steve and Ako, trained by Senoh-sensei of the historic Edo Daikagura Group. Let the Shishi lion nibble your head for good luck! The performance that starts at 1:50 will include a fun parade!

Taiko Drumming by Odaiko New England
1:30 – 1:50 (The Common, 2nd floor)
Taiko, or Wa-daiko, means “Japanese drums.” Their exciting rhythms energize festivals and bring people together. Experience the powerful beats and dynamic movements of Odaiko New England as we welcome the new year!

New Year’s Greeting & Mochitsuki Rice Pounding Ceremony
2:10 – 3:00 (The Common, 2nd floor)
Pounding rice to make mochi is an important community gathering in Japan. It’s a time to appreciate the food we have and to wish for a prosperous New Year as everyone comes together to share mochi rice cakes. Join us for our community mochi pounding ceremony, and don’t forget to shout “Yoisho!” as we pound the rice!