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What better way to usher in the new year than to immerse yourself in a wide array of Japanese cultural activities? Spanning from 19 December 2016 through 5 January 2017, a slew of exciting events are set to take place at Liang Court.
Here are the line-up of events that you can participate in:
19 December 2016 – 5 January 2017
MEIDI-YA Japan New Year Fair:
A wide selection of Japanese treats and gift options will be available for purchase at level 1 of the main atrium. So prepare to fill your tummies with what they have to offer.
Okiagari Display:
Ever wanted to learn about about the icons of Japan New Year? Now you can as Daruma, Shishimai, Fukusuke and Maneki Neko will be featured at their giant Okiagari display located at the Main Atrium.
Wishing Wall:
Visitors can write and hang their new year’s resolutions and wishes on a wishing wall at the Main Atrium using Ema which are, wooden plagues usually found hanging in shrines throughout Japan. Priced at $2 each, all proceeds will be donated to the Community Chest.
Machiya Display:
Proceed to level 2 outside Shin Yeh and you will find a Machiya display, a traditional Japanese home that will serve to showcase the significance behind Japan New Year decorations.
1 January 2017
Japanese Drum Performances (太鼓 Taiko) @ 1pm:
Expect to be graced by the presence of a Taiko Drum troupe as they put on an impressive performance with traditional Japanese drums.
Sake Opening Ceremony @ 1.30pm:
Sponsored by MEIDI-YA Supermarket, a traditional sake opening ceremony will be held. Using a wooden mallet, the lid of the sake barrel is broken and served to the crowd to toast to the new year. Here’s your chance to be among the first 100 to receive your very own cup of sake.
Caricature On Okiagari @ 2pm:
The first 20 people can get a redemption to have a caricature drawn on Okiagari to mark the arrival of the brand new year.
Miniature Sushi Clay Making Workshop @ 3pm:
At this guided workshop, you get to learn how to make cute mini sushi out of clay.
2 January 2017
Japanese Lion Dance (獅子舞Shishimai) & Drum Performances (太鼓 Taiko) @ 1pm:
Enjoy a lion dance performance that is traditionally conducted at the beginning of the new year to get rid of bad luck from the past year whilst bringing in good luck and starting afresh. This is accompanied by a Taiko drum performance, as well.
Mochi Pounding Demonstration @ 2pm:
Fresh mochi will be pounded by skilled craftsmen before being served for everyone to taste.
Okiagari Painting Workshop @ 3pm:
At the Okiagari painting workshop, children get to paint on them and take home their creations.
Miniature Sushi Clay Making Workshop @ 4pm:
At this guided workshop, you get to learn how to make cute mini sushi out of clay.
With cultural ceremonies and performances alongside delicacies and workshops, locals can really get a chance to experience a Japanese festival firsthand. All this, while getting to know more about the significance behind this celebration. The best part is, the admission is absolutely free of charge.
