Mochi tsuki is an annual New Year's tradition in many Japanese households and communities. Special mochi rice is soaked overnight, steamed and cooked, and then pounded into a smooth, sticky paste using an usu (large bowl) and kine (wooden mallet). Each year we roll out the solid granite usu and wood mallets that are hand-made by Mike Okano, a member of one of the original families who started the tradition on the island. Get an up-close look as we steam upwards of 200 pounds of rice in batches over an open fire. Then, try your hand at pounding the rice with the enthusiastic guidance of pounding masters Egashira and Okano. Children and adults can try their hand at forming the mochi cakes that are then eaten plain, filled with red bean paste, or dipped in soy sauce and sugar. Join us for this free annual community event!
Taiko Shows
at Noon and 2PM
Passing of the Mallet Ceremony
honoring retiring Master Pounder Shoichi Sugiyama at Noon
Mochi Pounding
throughout the day
Kids Activity Stamp Card
Form-your-own Mochi
Beg/Int/Adv Origami Instruction
BIJAC Educational Displays
Bainbridge Island Historical Museum Display
