Culture in tune

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Bernice Hirai of Sawai Koto Kai Hawaii played a 13-string koto yesterday during the Japanese Cultural Center's New Year's Ohana Festival at Moiliili Field and JCCH. Hirai has been playing the koto since she was 11 years old and teaches courses at the University of Hawaii. Pictured in the background with her are Ayako Riggs, Darin Miyashiro and Yumiko Uyeno. Entertainment, food, arts and crafts were part of the annual celebration.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Kelsy Chong, 4, of the Hanayagi Dancing Academy performed a dance yesterday.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Yoko Usagawa and Naomi Nawa put the finishing touches on a craft yesterday as Wendy Nawa, 3, gestured at her mother.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Sophia Miyakoshi of Izumo Taishakyo Mission poured little cups of sake yesterday for people to celebrate the Year of the Rooster.