Pounding in the New Year
Japanese New Year Mochi Pounding / While mochi in Hawaii is eaten year round, it’s fundamental to the celebration of Japanese New Year.
Sweet sticky rice is steamed, then pounded, often at a temple or church as part of a ceremony welcoming the New Year. Following the pounding, the fresh mochi (mochitsuki) is used to make ozoni soup to be eaten at midnight, in the first few moments of the New Year, to provide strength and endurance for the upcoming year. Sweet rice cakes are created from the pounded dough as well, some for offerings, others for eating fresh.
On Oahu there are several places one can visit to participate in the ceremony, which takes place this next week, just prior to New Year’s. This is a wonderful local food tradition well worth preserving and enjoying–check it out!
Tenri Cultural Center, 2236 Nuuanu Avenue, Wed 12/30, starting after services around 7am, 595-6523
Aiea Hongwanji Mission, 99-186 Puakala Street, ‘Aiea, Sun 12/27, 8–11am, 487-2626
Moiliili Hongwanji, 902 University Avenue, Sun 1/17, 10:15am, 949-1659
If you can’t make it to an official mochi pounding, you can at least enjoy some fresh local mochi from Nisshodo Candy Store. It is famous for filled mochi with names like chichi dango, tsunami, sakura. Call and order before going, or risk disappointment. The shelves are bare at this time of year! 1095 Dillingham Blvd., Ste. 15, 847-1244
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