KAILUA, Hawaii (KHON2) — It’s a New Year’s tradition for many Japanese families, ‘Mochi Tsuki’ or mochi pounding, means to bring good fortune and longevity.
Down in Kailua at the Higashi family residence, they have been taking part in this tradition since the 1970s and have opened up the event to longtime family friends.
Konko Mission of Wahiawa hosts mochi pounding in honor of New Year’s traditions
The sticky rice symbolizes keeping everyone together.
Family members say that even as they get older, the younger generation is keeping the tradition alive.
‘Mochi Tsuki’ uses large mallets to pound rice into mochi, which is then formed into balls, filled with azuki beans or used in soup…