Mochi pounding, known in Japanese as mochitsuki, is more than just making a rice cake. It’s a seasonal ritual that brings families and communities together, especially during winter and the New Year period. In many Japanese households, mochi making marks a time of gratitude, renewal, and preparation for the year ahead.
Mochi itself is made from mochigome, a special type of glutinous rice. The process begins by soaking and steaming the rice until it becomes soft and fragrant. Traditionally, this preparation is done early in the morning, setting the tone for a day of shared work and laughter. Long before machines existed, families relied on teamwork and rhythm to transform simple rice into something deeply meaningful.
Once you arrive at the activity, the most exciting part begins. Using large wooden mallets, participants take turns pounding the steamed rice inside a stone mortar. One person pounds while another quickly turns and wets the rice between strikes, requiring trust, coordination, and perfect timing. As the rice breaks down, it slowly transforms into the stretchy, glossy texture that mochi is known for. This energetic back and forth is not only fun but also a symbol of cooperation - something deeply valued in Japanese culture.
After pounding, the mochi is shaped by hand into small, soft rounds. Even at this stage, there is no single correct shape. Each piece reflects the person who made it, adding a personal touch to the experience. Freshly made mochi has a gentle sweetness and a softness that store bought versions cannot replicate.
To finish, you’ll enjoy your handmade mochi with traditional anko red bean paste or other flavours of your choice. Eating mochi right after it is made is considered especially lucky, and in Japan it is often associated with good health, longevity, and prosperity.
This activity offers far more than a culinary experience. It is a chance to step into a living tradition, feel the rhythm of Japanese daily life, and take part in a winter custom that has been passed down for generations. Whether it’s your first time in Japan or a return visit, mochi pounding is a warm, memorable way to connect with Japanese culture using all five senses.
GLIDE JAPAN Inc.
Mission
As ambassadors of our region, we connect local communities with the world, paving the way for a prosperous future.
Vision
Our goal is to become Japan’s leading engine of regional revitalisation, making it a norm to attract young people to rural areas, driven by their dreams.
| Company Name | Glide Japan Inc. |
| CEO | Masahiro Ide |
| Capital | ¥1,000,000 |
| Established | April 20, 2023 |
| Number of Employees | 12 (including contractors) |
| Head Office | 12-9 Chiyomachi, Beppu City, Oita 874-0942, Japan |
| Phone | +81-977-75-9566 |
| Australia Office (Satellite Office) | 421/4 Spring Street, Rosebery, NSW 2018, Australia |
| Business Activities | Inbound tourism consulting, travel arrangement services for international visitors, regional revitalisation projects, multilingual translation, video production, and more. |
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