Making Rice Cake
The new year is approaching and to mark the occasion, Ishida Kindergarten held its annual rice pounding ceremony (mochitsuki) today.
It was split into two sessions. The first one took place at 10:20 where the Tulip, Tanpopo, Momo and Tsubaki classes grouped together. At 10:50 the second session began and included the Rabbit, Bear and Lion class.
The ceremony took place outside at the school’s main entrance. Students formed a square shape around where the rice cake would be prepared using a stone mortar (usu) and wooden pestle (kine).
Before things began, the students could enjoy the aroma of the steamed glutinous rice (mochigome) and watch in excitement as it was prepped by our school drivers.
Once everything was ready, the Lion class students took turns pounding the steamed glutinous rice with the assistance of Enchou-sensei. Afterwards, the teachers could get involved and showcase their pounding strength. What was left was a large sticky mass to be divided later on.
At the end of the day, all students received three rice cakes to take home with them. Please enjoy eating them and let us all know how they tasted!
Daniel-sensei
