Shinnenkai 2008 in Peru

APJ

Published: Feb. 1, 2008 Modified: Feb. 11, 2025

en

ja

es

---

pt

Album

Shinnenkai 2008 in Peru

Great Nezumi (Shinnenkai APJ)

A large Nezumi, over 1.5 meters tall, was part of the showy decoration of the APJ Shinnenkai. -- A large Nezumi, over 1.5 meters tall, was part of the showy decoration of the Shinnenkai.

Kagami Mochi (Shinnekai APJ)

Kagami Mochi, a must-have at this celebration. The Peruvian-Japanese Association uses a reproduction that is placed in the auditorium. -- Kagami Mochi, a must-have at this celebration. The Peruvian-Japanese Association uses a reproduction that is placed in the auditorium.

Mochitsuki Taikai (Shinnenkai APJ)

Mochituski Taikai is one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the Shinnenkai celebration. Many of those present are invited to prepare the mochi that will later be served as part of the ozoni, a Japanese soup served on these occasions. Each guest takes the kine (wooden pestle) and hits the rice paste in the mortar twice. Some are very precise and manage to hit the dough in one blow. Others, due to the weight of the kine, hit the mortar. It requires practice, but enthusiasm is general. Everyone wants to participate in this party. -- Mochituski Taikai is one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the Shinnenkai celebration. Many of those present are invited to prepare the mochi that will later be served as part of the ozoni, a Japanese soup served on these occasions. Each guest takes the kine (wooden pestle) and hits the rice paste in the mortar twice. Some are very precise and manage to hit the dough in one blow. Others, because of the weight of the kine, hit the mortar. It requires practice, but enthusiasm is general. Everyone wants to participate in this party.

Toshi no Hajime (Shinnenkai APJ)

Ladies from the Peruvian-Japanese Women's Association sing the traditional New Year's song "Toshi no Hajime" accompanied by a group of people born under the sign of the Rat. -- Ladies from the Peruvian-Japanese Women's Association sing the traditional New Year's song "Toshi no Hajime" accompanied by a group of people born under the sign of the Rat.

Opening of sake tarus (Shinnenkai APJ)

Guests and representatives of Nikkei institutions participated in the opening of the sake barrels. This also occurs at celebrations such as the Matsuri AELU and the Japan Cultural Week held in November. -- Guests and representatives of Nikkei institutions participated in the opening of the sake barrels. This also occurs at celebrations such as the Matsuri AELU and the Japan Cultural Week held in November.

Large participation (Shinnenkai APJ)

A large crowd attended the New Year's party or Shinnenkai of the Peruvian-Japanese Association. More than 400 people were present at this traditional festival, which brings together isseis, niseis, young people, as well as guests every year. -- A large crowd attended the New Year's party or Shinnenkai. More than 400 people were present at this traditional festival, which brings together isseis, niseis, young people, as well as guests every year.

Nezumi Doshi (Shinnenkai APJ)

A pair of cardboard mice, dressed in an elegant and charming manner, were placed at the entrance of the auditorium. Many people took photos with them, mainly those born in the Year of the Rat or Nezumi Doshi -- A pair of cardboard mice, dressed in an elegant and charming manner, were placed at the entrance of the auditorium. Many people took photos with them, mainly those born in the Year of the Rat or Nezumi Doshi

Welcome to the Shinnenkai (Shinnenkai APJ)

Young girls dressed in traditional kimono welcomed guests to the Shinnenkai of the Peruvian-Japanese Association, which was held on January 18 at the Peruvian-Japanese Cultural Center. -- Young girls dressed in traditional kimono welcomed guests to the Shinnenkai of the Peruvian-Japanese Association, which was held on January 19 at the Peruvian-Japanese Cultural Center.

Previous Next

Like many of the customs brought to Peru by Japanese pioneers, the celebration of the New Year or “Shinnenkai” is one of the most significant and eagerly awaited dates for the Peruvian Nikkei community. Although in Japan the celebration of Shinnenkai consists of a meeting with friends, during which they mainly eat and drink, in Peru this festivity is a reason for the Peruvian Japanese community to have the opportunity to meet and express the feelings of joy and hope that are typical of the beginning of a new year. Currently, the celebration of Shinnenkai is carried out by various institutions, such as Kenjinkais, clubs, associations, etc. and, more than a formal activity, it is a ceremony full of joy and fellowship. From the traditional Mochitsuki taikai to the entertainment of people born under the sign that corresponds to the one that governs the calendar or oriental horoscope (which in 2008 corresponds to the Year of the Rat), this festivity is without a doubt an event that also seeks to start the year with a renewed spirit. Text and photos, property of the Peruvian Japanese Association: www.apj.org.pe