Mochi pounding – a traditional New Year event in Japan

This year, many people gathered again to do mochi pounding together.

We took turns pounding the rice and shared the freshly made mochi right there.

There’s a saying that making a lot of mochi brings good fortune, and I could really feel that atmosphere.

It felt like a moment to connect with people, the place we live in, and the simple gift of food at the start of the new year.

It was a really warm way to start the new year.