Sumo wrestlers join students at annual mochi pounding gathering
Fri, Dec 11, 2015-
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From Okuma Garden: December 4, 2015
On December 4, the Center for Japanese Language (CJL) and International Community Center (ICC) hosted its annual “Mochi Pounding Event.” Mochi (rice cake) pounding gatherings are a Japanese new year’s tradition and the event is an excellent opportunity for international students to experience Japanese culture.
This year we welcomed sumo wrestlers from the Arashio stable. Spectators cheered and international students looked on with great interest as the wrestlers donning nothing but a loincloth powerfully pounded away at mochi. Students waited in line to get their hands on delicious freshly pounded mochi and warm tofu and vegetable chowder.
The event held in Okuma Garden under the winter sky was a great success and the energy from sumo wrestlers and international students kept participants warm despite the cold weather. It was great to see the smiles of international students as they experienced Japanese culture and enjoyed the taste of mochi.