Mochitsuki Moves Downtown
Mochi, a satiny, white, sticky rice cake is formed from thousands of individual grains of rice. The rice is soaked, steamed, pounded together into a smooth dough and formed into round cakes, one of the first foods of the New Year eaten in Japanese households. Starting the year with a full belly is a good omen for a prosperous year to come, and in these uncertain economic times, all wishes for prosperity are welcome! Making mochi is a group activity, so creating a cohesive whole from many parts symbolizes of the strength of community.
The Japanese American community in Oregon has gathered to make mochi since the first immigrants arrived in the late 19th century. Coming together to pound steamed rice into hearty cakes gathered people from far flung railroad and lumber camps, farms and towns. Currently, the annual Mochitsuki celebration brings together community groups, chefs, artisans and performers in a celebration of Japanese American culture.
This year, the public is invited to celebrate the Year of the Tiger in a new location in downtown Portland. Located at SW 15th and Morrison along the MAX line, the Scottish Rite Center features a beautiful theater and ball room in a historic building. In the theater will be the “Mochitsuki Stage Show”, a spellbinding program of storytelling by Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo from San Francisco; the heart-pounding rhythms of Japanese drumming by Portland Taiko, Tanuki Taiko and Takohachi Taiko, along with graceful dance from Fujinami Kai and Sahomi Tachibana Dancers. New this year, Usuki-kai has choreographed rhythms and movements to pound mochi with theatrical flair.
At the Cultural Fair, Japanese American community groups will come together to showcase their culture and traditions from noon to 4pm. Old and new will be side by side. Guests have a chance to lift the large wooden mallet and pound the steamed rice as in ancient tradition or watch the whir of modern mochi machines that steam the rice and make the dough.
Food and entertainment always go hand-in-hand at these festivals. An array of Japanese food specialties is available for purchase; the Community Stage will feature local performing groups and clubs. In Japan, the New Year begins with putting brush to ink to practice calligraphy. Visitors will have a chance to try this ancient art form to write an auspicious character for the New Year, or to write their name. Hands-on opportunities compliment community organizations' informational booths.
Now in its 14th year, Mochitsuki draws a crowd of more than 2,500 and is sponsored by the Portland Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, Oregon Nikkei Endowment, Konko Church and Portland Taiko and supported by the Japanese Ancestral Society. With special appearance by the Portland Consul General of Japan.
Mochi, a satiny, white, sticky rice cake is formed from thousands of individual grains of rice. The rice is soaked, steamed, pounded together into a smooth dough and formed into round cakes, one of the first foods of the New Year eaten in Japanese households. Starting the year with a full belly is a good omen for a prosperous year to come, and in these uncertain economic times, all wishes for prosperity are welcome! Making mochi is a group activity, so creating a cohesive whole from many parts symbolizes of the strength of community.
The Japanese American community in Oregon has gathered to make mochi since the first immigrants arrived in the late 19th century. Coming together to pound steamed rice into hearty cakes gathered people from far flung railroad and lumber camps, farms and towns. Currently, the annual Mochitsuki celebration brings together community groups, chefs, artisans and performers in a celebration of Japanese American culture.
This year, the public is invited to celebrate the Year of the Tiger in a new location in downtown Portland. Located at SW 15th and Morrison along the MAX line, the Scottish Rite Center features a beautiful theater and ball room in a historic building. In the theater will be the “Mochitsuki Stage Show”, a spellbinding program of storytelling by Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo from San Francisco; the heart-pounding rhythms of Japanese drumming by Portland Taiko, Tanuki Taiko and Takohachi Taiko, along with graceful dance from Fujinami Kai and Sahomi Tachibana Dancers. New this year, Usuki-kai has choreographed rhythms and movements to pound mochi with theatrical flair.
At the Cultural Fair, Japanese American community groups will come together to showcase their culture and traditions from noon to 4pm. Old and new will be side by side. Guests have a chance to lift the large wooden mallet and pound the steamed rice as in ancient tradition or watch the whir of modern mochi machines that steam the rice and make the dough.
Food and entertainment always go hand-in-hand at these festivals. An array of Japanese food specialties is available for purchase; the Community Stage will feature local performing groups and clubs. In Japan, the New Year begins with putting brush to ink to practice calligraphy. Visitors will have a chance to try this ancient art form to write an auspicious character for the New Year, or to write their name. Hands-on opportunities compliment community organizations' informational booths.
Now in its 14th year, Mochitsuki draws a crowd of more than 2,500 and is sponsored by the Portland Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, Oregon Nikkei Endowment, Konko Church and Portland Taiko and supported by the Japanese Ancestral Society. With special appearance by the Portland Consul General of Japan.