Making Mochi at the 8th Annual Mochitsuki

On Saturday, January 7, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) at the University of Michigan, families can enjoy mochi-making in the traditional way during the 8th Annual Mochitsuki. Besides mochi making, families can expect to find mochi taste-testing, games, origami, kamishibai (Japanese storytelling), kakizome (New Year's calligraphy), manga-drawing, and live music by Miyabi and Raion Taiko at the free event.

I'll admit, aside from knowing that mochi was a Japanese word, I had no idea what to expect so I Googled mochi making and found this fun video. For those of you that want to be in-the-know, mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into paste and molded into shape. It is the traditional food for the Japanese New Year and is commonly sold and eaten during that time as well as throughout the year!





I expect that this event will provide Ann Arbor families a fun and educational cultural experience that shouldn't be missed!