Rice Pounding - Mochi

We had a unique and fun opportunity to celebrate the holidays Japanese style this Christmas. It is no secret that rice is central to Japanese culture and cuisine, and they have found many ways to prepare it. Mochi is a unique rice product, and is the result of pounding prepared rice until it turns into a stiff, dough-like consistency.  Every year, Japanese have Mochi pounding celebrations to bring in the new year. Here in Atsugi, the Japanese side of the base hosted the officers and their families for this fun event. The Japanese are such gracious hosts! Mochi is a treat that Aaron loves, so I was excited to attend the event just for him. They had a few mochi stations set up, and Aaron and I took the chance to do something completely new. We were given wood mallets (called kine) to pound the rice with. The process starts with sweet rice soaked overnight, then steamed.  They then put the cooked rice in a large stone or wooden bowl, called an usu. Think of it as a gigantic mortar and pestle. Once the rice is arranged, you smack the rice with the kine until it develops the right consistency. It was a lot of fun and a great experience!

 

As people enjoyed finger foods and rice pounding, a group of dancers entered the hall in a grand fashion.  Tradition is very important in Japanese culture, and the dancers were all dressed in ceremonial garb with simple flutes and drums. The dances appeared simple, but they require a well conditioned body!

 

 

It was a very fun evening, one that really let us enjoy the hospitality and culture of our Japanese neighbors.