Obuse, Chubu, Japan
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Today we took part in day 1 of the Japanese New Year tradition of Mochi Making. Rice is steamed over an open fire and then pounded with a mallet in a hollowed out tree trunk until it is a smooth paste. They then roll it is balls and serve it either with crushed diakon and soya sauce or crushed soy bean. Adam tried his hand at the mallet swinging (hopefully the video works below). The festivities were based around our host, Sarahs', company, Obusedo. They were also serving sweet sake and roasted chestnuts. Sweet sake is a non-alcoholic, warm rice drink. It is made with the left over liquid from the sake brewing process. All were very delicious!
Sarah taught us how to say Happy New Year in Japanese- Akemashita omedeto goziamasu!
The mochi making continues tommorrow. Bye for now!
Brit & Adam
Comments
Hey guys - are you ever being indoctrinated. I said Happy New Year just now in Japanese to Dad! Sent your blog address to Seth -who called here last evening.
Love the pictures and video. Eagerly await your installments. Thanks for doing all of this. Off to Tompsons for annual New Years afternoon.
Love MomVL