Some cultures are absorbed with ringing out the end of the year, while others are more concerned that the new year begin in a propitious manner. The latter is the focus of Hirokazu Kosaka, artistic director of the Japan America Cultural and Community Center and curator of Kotohajime: The First Performance of the New Year. Drawing on Western and Eastern performing arts, this year's lineup includes the Korean Culture Center, the Colburn School's Trudi Zipper Dance Institute, Majikina Honryu and traditional Japanese dance groups Wakana-kai and Bando Hidesomi. As part of Hatsu-Mato (First Target), IKKYU of the Los Angeles Kyudo Archery Group will handle the traditional shooting of an arrow, a ritual considered to be purifying. Kotohajime literally means the beginning of all things, a propitious promise as the new year dawns. Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., dwntwn.; Sun., Jan. 6, 1 p.m.; $20. (213) 628-2725, jaccc.org.

Sun., Jan. 6, 1 p.m., 2013

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