Weekend Scene

2002, YEAR OF THE HORSE
Festival-goers ring in the new year
at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM June Fukumitsu demonstrated "kumihimo," a Japanese braiding technique.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Christopher Tanaka sat with his great-grandmother, Shizuko Fujishige, and enjoyed udon noodles yesterday at the festival.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Brynn Yoshinaga was carried by her grandpa, Miles Nishimura, yesterday at the New Year Festival at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii in Moiliili. The festival included activities like martial arts demonstrations, cultural lectures and a "nakamise," or marketplace.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Some men underwent a makeover to compete for the title of Sour Plum Seed Queen in the Miss Umeboshi Beauty Contest. Festival-goers helped to select the winner. In the center wearing the crown is the "Dried Plum Queen," Robz Yamane. Behind him are the other contestants, from left, Gregg Mueller and David Golz.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Yuki Kawahigashi, a dancer from Japan, listened to traditional Japanese music yesterday during the New Year Festival at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii in Moiliili.