National Mochi Day

National Mochi Day celebrates mochi, the chewy Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice. Traditional mochi is prepared by soaking and steaming rice, pounding it into a sticky, elastic mass, and shaping it into individual cakes. It may be enjoyed plain, used in soups, or filled with ingredients such as red bean paste, fruit, sesame, or ice cream.

Mochi has long been associated with Japanese celebrations and ceremonies, especially the New Year season. Varieties include daifuku, filled with sweet fillings; sakuramochi, a seasonal pink mochi wrapped in a cherry leaf; and kagami mochi, two stacked rice cakes used as a New Year decoration. Mochi ice cream offers a modern take on the treat.

National Mochi Day was launched in 2021 by Mochi Mochi Wagashi, a Hawaii-based mochi business. The observance takes place annually on August 8 and invites people to enjoy mochi, explore its many varieties, and appreciate its culinary and cultural history. Because mochi is sticky and dense, eat it in small pieces.

How to Observe National Mochi Day

Celebrate by enjoying your favorite mochi or sampling a variety you have not tried before. Try daifuku, mochi ice cream, or plain mochi, or make mochi at home using a recipe. You can also learn about mochi’s role in Japanese New Year celebrations and other ceremonies, then share the treat with friends.

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