The traditional mochi-pounding ceremony is called Mochitsuki in Japan. Mochi is a traditional food at New Year’s. Here at Aiea Hongwanji, we have modified the traditional method of preparing the mochi by grinding the cooked mochi once before putting it into the usu (stone mortar) for pounding. This shortens the amount of effort and allows everyone-young and old to participate.

The Aiea Hongwanji Sangha will have our annual Mochitsuki on Saturday, December 23rd. This event is open to everyone. Please come early (before 8:00 a.m.) so you won’t miss the first mochi-rice coming out of the steamer, ready for pounding. Everyone gets a chance to pound mochi and/or shape the mochi. Bring your friends and family and you will have an enjoyable day! Once the mochi is pounded and made soft, it will be available for hand shaping … and tasting.

For further information, please call Susan in the office at (808) 487-2626.