CJS's Mochitsuki

Since 2005, CJS has been holding an annual Mochitsuki that is open to the public. Each year, this event has grown in what it offers and the number of guests that attend it. The photos below show some some of what CJS's staff and our 40+ volunteers do to prepare for the event, as well as what happens at it.

Friday: The rice is thoroughly washed and then left to soak overnight .	Friday: The usu is cleaned, water is put inside to soak overnight, and then the water is removed on Saturday morning.
Friday: The kine is cleaned and left to soak overnight.	Saturday Morning: The electric mochi makers are arranged.
Saturday Morning: The snacks are brought in for the event.	Saturday Afternoon: The event begins.
Guests help make mochi while the "mochi expert" (in apron) stands by to turn the mochi after each hit.	Guests are entertained by live music by Miyabi (instrument shown, koto).
New Year's calligraphy messages are made.	Mochitsuki volunteers working hard to keep up with the demand.
Origami is popular.	Various kinds of snacks are available.

Japanese games.

Click here to see mochi being pounded at the 2005 Mochitsuki.

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