Mochi Tsuki returns to Bainbridge Island this weekend
Bainbridge Island's tradition of more than 30 years, the Mochi Tsuki celebration, returns to start the new year in 2023 after a two-year hiatus. The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community will host the traditional mochi-making ceremony over an open fire outside Woodward Middle School, along with performances by Seattle Kokon Taiko and, for the first time, an obon dance workshop for community members.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7.
In addition, the short documentary "Point of Departure," which tells the story of the creation of the art installation at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, will also be shown.
Hundreds of attendees typically flock to the event that showcases the traditional way of making of mochi, a sweet rice cake. A circle of mallet-wielding volunteers, including attendees, helps to prepare the treat by pounding the rice in a rhythm. After the pounding, the mochi is rolled and shaped into smaller pieces for eating. The festival was called off in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID pandemic, and had only relocated to Woodward Middle School, at 9125 Sportsman Club Road, in 2019 to accommodate the large crowds that grew beyond what previous host IslandWood could accommodate.
The Kokon Taiko shows have a capacity of 700 for each performance, at noon and 2 p.m., and attendees are asked to request a free ticket. The mochi making begins at 11 a.m. and lasts until 3 p.m. The dance workshop takes place at 1 p.m.
For more information visit the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community at https://bijac.org.
This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Bainbridge tradition of Mochi Tsuki returns after two years in January
