Thousands of hot, happy and seemingly very hungry people packed the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i and nearby Mo'ili'ili Field today for the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i's annual New Year's 'Ohana Festival.

In addition to Japanese exhibits and demonstrations — from calligraphy to mochi pounding to kumihimo braiding — the festival featured lots of food and a wide variety of arts and activities, including Brazilian capoeira, lion dancing and an appearance by Japanese superheroes Kikaida and Kikaida 01.

"It's a healthy reminder of what our Japanese community means to us, and also a reminder of why New Year's is so important," said Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who was on hand to present a $10,000 grant to JCCH. And, of course, to do a little eating.

"I'm looking for mochi," Hannemann said.