Mochi-Tsuki is a Japanese new year’s tradition for our family and many other local families. From what I know, it’s a tradition that has been passed down from my husband’s great-uncle to my father-in-law, and now to my husband. Although he had a lot of help from mom and dad, this was the first year he was officially in charge of organizing our annual mochi-tsuki.
The day starts early in the morning before the sun rises at my in-laws house. This time of year, the weather is cold and crisp in Mililani. Mochi rice is washed and soaked days ahead, the red bean paste (anko) is prepared, and the actual mochi pounding is hard work. Continue reading “Mochi-Tsuki”